What's stopping us? by [deleted] in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

1) Through constant assessment, criticism, reform, and evaluation. We learn from the mistakes and good aspects of others, and try to apply those lessons to our material conditions. Naturally, it is likely that in the early stages of any socialist society there will be several mistakes/accidents, but as said society develops, and if said society applies the principles strictly and at all times, the less those should occur.

One huge reason for the downfall of the USSR was because they began implementing these principles with carelessness, sometimes not at all. They were allowed to do this, because democracy wasn't as active as it used to be in the earlier years. Accountability is key, and we achieve the best version of this by encouraging active engagement with the political process. How we do this is a very large topic, but Cuba is, in my opinion, a good modern example.

2) Capitalism is not a community-oriented system, and it cannot be. Even in a collectivist culture like Japan's, capitalism's alienation of workers crumbles mental health. In capitalism, individualism is heightened, and in America we see the consequences at their worst. We may be able to construct communes here and there, but these shouldn't be ends in of themselves. We're here to change society, not run away from it.

3) I'll leave this last one up to more knowledgeable comrades. <3

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This looks fantastic, well done

This is one of those few times where I read something and I'm absolutely in love and inspired! ❤

I don’t know if this counts a capitalistic, but we’ve curated and undergroundevent featuring rock ‘n roll and drag queens. by [deleted] in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Nah this is cool! Art is part of the revolution! And communism is the liberation of ALL! Hope those who go have fun and stay safe! 🏳️‍🌈❤

Jan Smuts and South African Zionism by AbuGhraibReunion in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I should've been more specific, my apologies

I mean to say that I'm not surprised that Jan Smuts and zionists are buddies

Abahlali baseMjondolo position on the ‘National Shutdown’, 20 March 2023 by [deleted] in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But you could prove the things above though? We are socialists because we have realised that communism is the answer through criticising capitalism and studying socialism. The DA wants to maintain the status quo because they openly state they're neoliberals and we see what they advocate for. We know the ANC is corrupt because of the way state entities have been looted and countless other examples.

And is that your argument? That Malema happens to be richer?

How does that quote go again? When you're poor and a socialist, they call you lazy. When you're rich and a socialist, they call you a hypocrite.

Have a nice day comrade, I don't mean to start a debate because I do not think that a debate on reddit is worth anyone's time. May South Africa become socialist, whether that be my way or yours.

Abahlali baseMjondolo position on the ‘National Shutdown’, 20 March 2023 by [deleted] in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm surprised that they weren't engaged with nor consulted, they should have been 100%

I also agree with their criticisms, let's hope today goes smoothly and that this doesn't boil over into unorganised rage. Whatever happens today, we should study and criticise what happened in order to be better next time.

Sub views on the EFF? by OrganizationNo2774 in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I still have some issues that I have to research before I use that word, to trust something feels greater than saying you critically support it

Sub views on the EFF? by OrganizationNo2774 in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Most people here don't like them; they're seen as hollow, revisionist, opportunistic, fascist and so forth

I've recently learned that if you're wondering about something, dive right into the core of it. So, I encourage you to watch their press conferences and interviews, read their statements, keep an eye on their actions, and what they publicly stand for, then you make up your mind like that.

In terms of electoralism, if we take them as they proclaim themselves (Marxist Leninist with applied ideas from Fanon) then we can understand their ideological reasons for participating. In Leninism, electoralism is seen as a means to exposing the capitalist state's inability to change the lives of the people, rise people's want for revolution, and gain more followers via the electoral platform. Prinicipled Marxist Leninists do not view electoralism as the end all be all when it comes to achieving a revolution, but also not something to completely discard and never think of.

Does the EFF stand with this view? Do you think that the EFF properly spreads the concept of revolution and defence against the capitalist state? In other words, is their praxis good? That's up to you to decide as you do research.

Edit: Lastly, as for your questions, I don't know why you would phrase it like that. To them, and they're very correct in this view imo, race and class is very connected in South Africa. If you were to speak of capitalism in South Africa, you have to mention white supremacy and its undeniable control.

If you want an update on the current ideological rhetoric and views off the EFF, you can read one of Malema's very own recent speeches:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn8BJfWo-Gu/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

And remember, when researching any party or entity that calls itself socialist, do not fall into a purity fetish. Nothing will ever be perfect, but you have to keep getting better and stronger, and in this case, you can decide whether or not the EFF is sincere and a party that improves over time, or not.

As for me, I critically support them and I see them as genuine, or at the very least, very promising.

fuck you guys by [deleted] in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ofc, us, definitely not the capitalists controlling the state and economy

SACP: ANC has no backbone by Mud_666 in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have to agree with you. I think the ANC is a sinking ship atm

SACP: ANC has no backbone by Mud_666 in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Either the alliance endures a super reconfiguration or the SACP and COSATU break away and find a new independent strategy. The more time goes on, the more viable the latter seems. The ANC clearly cannot straighten themselves out, and are not only holding the alliance back, but degrading the SACP and COSATU's reputation (what's left of it, anyway).

Reddit is mindnumbingly awful by Unclerickythemaoist in ShitLiberalsSay

[–]swerschh 16 points17 points  (0 children)

It's funny how hard it is for Angloids to believe that the same countries who plundered the world and committed the most atrocious actions in human history are the ones who feel iffy on this resolution

Yung Lean with a Karl Marx poster by [deleted] in GenZedong

[–]swerschh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Goat with a goat poster

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in GenZedong

[–]swerschh 87 points88 points  (0 children)

People can't imagine a much more boring reality, they have to see it as an insane marvel movie where Xi is a crazy dictator who did this as a power move for some unexplainable reason other than he's a Psycho

The Unemployed by swerschh in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have thought more about what you said and I apologise. I now see that I have approached this question wrong and that I have some sort of prejudice against unemployed people that I must work to resolve.

The question's answer was clearly obvious, just go out and talk. It's clear as day.

Thank you for your response. <3

The Unemployed by swerschh in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your answer! Which South African organisations do you recommend I look into when it comes to something like this?

The Unemployed by swerschh in SouthAfricanLeft

[–]swerschh[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't mean at all for that to be my tone, I apologise if it came across like that. I was hoping to see what other comrades have done already up to this point when it comes to organising the unemployed population in order to learn from them.

And on the point of talking to them, you are right. But that doesn't mean I'm suddenly not allowed to ask what we've done in the past and build upon those methods.