Decolonization and the Struggle for Justice: 70 Years of Freedom Charter

By Ronnie Kasrils

The Freedom Charter of South Africa was born of struggle. It must now be defended and renewed through struggle.

The Freedom Charter was adopted in Kliptown on June 26, 1955, seventy years ago. Thousands of delegates had traveled from across South Africa—by train, by bus, on foot—to take part in the Congress of the People. They met under an open sky, gathered on the dusty field where a wooden stage had been erected.

Armed…