By Nco Dube | 11 February 2025

In a world where the voices of the marginalised are often drowned out by the amplified narratives of privilege, the need for robust, black-led civil society organisations has never been more urgent. The recent announcement by Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, former EFF leader and former member of parliament, that he is stepping away from party politics to pursue academia and potentially form an AfriForum/Solidarity-type movement for black South Africans, is a watershed moment. 

This move comes at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, where the structural inequalities of the past continue to cast long shadows over the present. Dr. Ndlozi’s vision offers a unique opportunity to address the glaring void in civil society for black-oriented, black-controlled, and black-managed organisations. It is a call to action for all black South Africans to rally behind this initiative, not only as a means of safeguarding our collective interests but also as a way of reclaiming our narrative in a world that often silences black voices.

The Void in Civil Society: Why Black-Oriented Movements Matter

Civil society plays a pivotal role in any democracy. It acts as a watchdog, holding government and private institutions accountable, while also advocating for the rights and interests of marginalised communities. In South Africa, organisations like AfriForum and Solidarity have been remarkably effective in advancing the interests of Afrikaners. They have created platforms where Afrikaner concerns are amplified, their cultural heritage is preserved, and their socio-economic interests are fiercely protected. These organisations are subscription-based, meaning they are funded by their members, which ensures their independence and sustainability.

However, when we look at the landscape of civil society organisations that cater specifically to black South Africans, the picture is starkly different. While there are numerous NGOs and community-based organisations, few are as well-resourced, strategically organised, or as influential as AfriForum. This disparity is not accidental. It is a reflection of the broader systemic inequalities that continue to plague our society. Black communities, despite being the majority, often lack the financial resources, institutional support, and platforms to organise effectively. This has left a void in civil society, where the specific needs and concerns of black people are either inadequately addressed or entirely ignored.

Dr. Ndlozi’s mooted movement seeks to fill this void. By creating a black-oriented, subscription-based civil organisation, he aims to provide a platform where black voices can be amplified, black interests can be protected, and black dignity can be restored. This is not just about creating another NGO; it is about building a movement that is rooted in the lived experiences of black South Africans and that is capable of challenging the status quo.

The Amplification of White Interests vs. The Silencing of Black Voices

One of the most pervasive issues in contemporary society is the amplification of white interests and the concomitant silencing of black voices. This phenomenon is not unique to South Africa; it is a global issue. In the media, in academia, in corporate boardrooms, and even in civil society, white narratives dominate. White concerns are prioritised, and white voices are given platforms that far exceed their demographic representation. This creates echo chambers where white interests are endlessly reinforced, while black voices are marginalised or outright ignored.

In South Africa, this dynamic is particularly pronounced. Despite being a majority-black country, the structures of power and influence remain disproportionately white. The media, for instance, is often accused of being biased towards white interests, with black perspectives being relegated to the sidelines. Similarly, in the corporate world, black executives are few and far between, and those who do make it to the top often find themselves isolated and unsupported. Even in civil society, the most influential organisations tend to be those that cater to white interests, such as AfriForum.

This imbalance has profound implications for black South Africans. It means that our concerns are often not taken seriously, our struggles are not adequately represented, and our voices are not heard. It also means that we are constantly fighting an uphill battle to assert our humanity and our right to equal treatment. Dr. Ndlozi’s proposed movement offers a way to counter this imbalance. By creating a platform where black voices can be amplified, it challenges the dominance of white narratives and creates space for black perspectives to be heard.

The Benefits of a Black-Oriented Civil Movement

The benefits of a black-oriented civil movement are manifold. Firstly, it provides a platform for black voices to be heard. In a society where black perspectives are often marginalised, having a dedicated platform where these voices can be amplified is crucial. This is not just about representation; it is about ensuring that black concerns are taken seriously and that black people have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

Secondly, such a movement can act as a watchdog, holding government and private institutions accountable. One of the key roles of civil society is to ensure that those in power are held to account. However, this function is often compromised when civil society organisations are not representative of the majority population. A black-oriented movement would be better positioned to hold institutions accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions disproportionately affect black communities.

Thirdly, a black-oriented civil movement can play a crucial role in preserving and promoting black culture and heritage. In a country where black culture is often commodified and exploited, having an organisation that is dedicated to preserving and promoting black heritage is essential. This is not just about cultural pride; it is about reclaiming our identity and asserting our right to define ourselves on our own terms.

Finally, such a movement can provide much-needed support and resources to black communities. From legal assistance to educational programmes, a black-oriented civil organisation can offer a range of services that are tailored to the specific needs of black people. This is particularly important in a country where access to resources is often determined by race.

A Call to Action: Supporting Dr. Ndlozi’s Vision

Dr. Ndlozi’s vision is not just his own; it is a vision for all black South Africans. It is a call to action for us to stand up and take control of our own destiny. For too long, we have relied on others to speak for us, to represent us, and to fight for our rights. It is time for us to take ownership of our struggles and to build institutions that are capable of advancing our interests.

Supporting Dr. Ndlozi’s proposed movement is not just about supporting him as an individual; it is about supporting the idea that black people have the right to self-determination. It is about recognising that we cannot rely on others to do the work for us; we must take the initiative and build the institutions that we need.

This is not going to be easy. Building a movement from the ground up requires resources, time, and effort. It requires buy-in from the black community, not just in terms of financial support but also in terms of active participation. It requires us to be willing to stand up and be counted, to lend our voices and our skills to the cause.

But the rewards far outweigh the challenges. By supporting Dr. Ndlozi’s vision, we are not just building an organisation; we are building a movement. We are creating a platform where black voices can be heard, where black interests can be protected, and where black dignity can be restored. We are taking a stand against the systemic inequalities that continue to plague our society and asserting our right to equal treatment.

Conclusion: The Time is Now

The time for action is now. The void in civil society for black-oriented organisations is glaring, and the need for such a movement has never been more urgent. Dr. Ndlozi’s vision offers us a unique opportunity to address this void and to create a platform where black voices can be amplified, black interests can be protected, and black dignity can be restored.

But this vision cannot be realised without the support of the black community. It requires all of us to stand up and be counted, to lend our voices and our resources to the cause. It requires us to recognise that we cannot rely on others to do the work for us; we must take ownership of our struggles and build the institutions that we need.

So let us rally behind Dr. Ndlozi and his vision. Let us build a movement that is rooted in the lived experiences of black South Africans and that is capable of challenging the status quo. Let us create a platform where black voices can be heard, where black interests can be protected, and where black dignity can be restored. The time for action is now. The time to stand up and be counted is now. The time to support Dr. Ndlozi’s vision is now.

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on UkhoziFM and various newspapers. Read more of his articles here: www. ncodube.blog)