Dear Zandile,

My African sister, I write to share some important historical context that may help guide your movement’s perspective on regional unity and African solidarity. During the 1970s and 1980s, a group of Southern African nations known as the Frontline States Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Angola, and Mozambique, later joined by Zimbabwe played a vital role in supporting liberation struggles against colonialism and apartheid.

These countries risked their own security and economies to provide refuge, training and support to South African liberation movements such as the ANC and PAC, as well as SWAPO in Namibia and ZANU/ZAPU in Zimbabwe. Despite suffering from cross-border attacks and economic blockades by apartheid forces, they never turned their backs on the fight for South Africa’s freedom.

The unity and sacrifice of the Frontline States laid the foundation for today’s Southern African Development Community (SADC). Their legacy is a reminder that the freedom of one African nation is tied to the freedom and dignity of all.

True patriotism and progress come not from division, but from solidarity and understanding among African people. We must remember that the same hands that sheltered South Africans in exile deserve our respect today.

Amandla

Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
+263772278161