Question

(Non-Collaboration): Robert Sobukwe introduced the principle of "non-collaboration" for African people in a liberation struggle, and PanAfricanism and Black Consciousness used this in the struggle against Apartheid. First, explain what this principle means and why it is important in relation to overcoming certain forms of oppression. Second, why did "non-racialist" philosophies of Ubuntu and African Socialism disagree with this principle? Finally, do you agree with this principle? In other words, are there situations when exclusive practices for a particular group of people are morally good? If so, give a real example.

Answer 1

The concept of Non-Collaboration refers to the certainty that only black people can argue and fight for freedom, since they are the oppressed people and since white people are part of a group of oppressors. This concept is important in relation to overcoming certain forms of oppression, because it allows people who are oppressed by the racist system to have the authority to speak and show what is really harmful and maleficent, since they go through it and have priority in the subject they live and know. In other words, the importance of Non-Collaboration is to give voice to the oppressed, without being interrupted by the oppressor.

The "non-racialist" philosophies of Ubuntun and African socialism do not agree with this concept. This is because both maintain the idea that states that “my existence is connected to the existence of the other”, which means, for them that the anti-racist and freedom debate of black people needs the participation of white people, since they are part of of the oppressive racist system. In short, for Ubuntun and African Socialism both the oppressed and the oppressor need to participate in the process of liberating blacks.

I agree with the principle of Non-Collaboration in parts. I believe that when it comes to talking about racism, black people have priority as they are the people who suffer from it. In this case, I believe that whites have no place to speak and should be silent, listen and understand. However, I believe that racism will only be fought with the participation of whites, since they were the ones who created this system and they are the people who maintain it today, so I think it is important that whites also participate in this debate; as a listener and not as a speaker.