Pan Africanist Congress of Azania

The South African Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) is a political party that emerged in the late 1950s as a breakaway faction from the African National Congress (ANC). The PAC was founded on the principles of African nationalism and Pan-Africanism, advocating for the return of the land to the indigenous people of South Africa and the unity of African states against colonialism and white minority rule. Its formation was largely a response to dissatisfaction with the ANC's approach to the struggle against apartheid, with the PAC adopting a more radical stance on the immediate end…   of apartheid and the establishment of a government that represented the majority black population.

The PAC's values are deeply rooted in the belief that African people should be the masters of their own destiny and that the wealth and resources of Africa should benefit its indigenous populations. The party has historically emphasized the importance of land redistribution, arguing that land expropriation without compensation is essential for rectifying the injustices of colonialism and apartheid. The PAC also champions the idea of Pan-Africanism, the belief that African countries should work together to achieve collective self-reliance, economic independence, and political sovereignty.

Throughout its history, the PAC has been known for its slogan "Izwe Lethu" (Our Land), which encapsulates its core mission of reclaiming land for the black majority. The party played a significant role in the anti-apartheid struggle, most notably organizing the anti-pass laws protest in Sharpeville in 1960, which ended in a massacre by the apartheid regime's police forces. This event marked a turning point in the anti-apartheid movement and highlighted the PAC's commitment to direct action and mass mobilization.

Despite its significant role in the struggle against apartheid, the PAC has struggled to maintain a strong presence in South Africa's political landscape in the post-apartheid era. Its influence has waned due to internal divisions, leadership challenges, and the dominant position of the ANC in South African politics. Nonetheless, the PAC continues to advocate for social justice, economic emancipation, and the rights of the African majority, holding onto its foundational values of Pan-Africanism and the liberation of African people.