Abstract
M.A. (Political Studies)
This study sets out to establish the presence of socialist
trends within extra-parliamentary groups in South Africa. The
role of socialism within the Azanian People's Organisation
(AZAPOj, which supports the Black Consciousness philosophy, is
considered. The study simultaneously examines the presence of
socialism in the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging (AWB), as an
all-white organisation.
The study also indicates that socialism, in contrast with
popular perceptions, is a complex socio-political system
consisting of different variants. Socialism developed from,
inter alia, discontentment with the supposed shortcomings of
capitalist inspired democracies. Differing interpretations of
socialism developed according to the specific needs of each
society. At present, socialist ideologies are still mainly
directed towards providing alternatives for economic
inequalities and the welfare of the society in general.
Three variants of socialism were identified for the purpose of
this study. The first, democratic socialism, is closely
related to the basic theory of democracy and therefore allows
for the greatest extent of free market capitalism and private
enterprise. The second, African socialism, developed as a
result of the attainment of independence by African states in
the early sixties, which left these states with the remnants
of imperialism. African socialism is an outcry against the
perceived injustices committed by white imperialists and
therefore does not provide for white participation. The third
variant, national socialism, by contrast to African socialism,
is mainly pursued by white elitist groups ...