Sequel to Long Walk to Freedom - Revision 4 - Chapter 10 Page 4

that we fully appreciated the fact that they were forced by the apartheid regime to accept the policy of separate development. Had they not done so they would have been removed from their positions by that oppressive regime. We the ANC were not there to protect them at that time. I went further and stressed that the youth were justified in condemning them as traitors, as traditional leaders, with a few exceptions mentioned above, were vicious in persecuting members of the liberation movement. Now the organisation had been unbanned, political prisoners had been released, and exiles would soon be back in the country, the ANC was regaining its strength and legitimacy, and would give protections to traditional leaders. I then urged them to rally behind the organisation and to join the fight for liberation. Everywhere we went we were warmly welcomed. Vulindlela