South Africa

An interesting document penned by a member of the Young Communists has surfaced in the M&G questioning the rationale for the far Lefts support for Jay-Z. Why I say it is interesting is because normally almost any discussion document that is written by a member of SASCO/ANCYL/YCL, is so full of ludicrous Marxist/Leninist jargon that you really have to wonder if the writer actually even knew what they were saying when they penned it. This document is well written and begins to ask the questions that many of the rest have been asking -- what does the far Left see in Jay-Z and why?

Can JZ really be regarded as part of left and working-class forces in the ANC? JZ’s role in the isolation and marginalisation of a working-class programme in the ANC requires scrutiny. Can JZ really provide breathing space for a left project, as it is sometimes argued and implied? Indeed, individuals play an important role in revolutions. But then, what was JZ’s role in the rightwards shift of the ANC? The case for the political defence of JZ must still be made from a coherent and strategic standpoint. Up to now, such as case has not been made. Even when such as case is made it must be linked to a political programme. What political programme does JZ stand for? What political programme are we seeking to push and win by supporting JZ?

 

As a public figure, JZ has taken what can be described as controversial and conservative standpoints on gender equality (polygamy, virginity testing and sexuality), economic policy, ethnicity and pandering to the interests of the traditional and undemocratic elite in rural areas. It is not clear what role he has played in the government and as an ANC leader during key moments of working-class struggle on economic policy. He may have called for alliance forums to discuss differences, but is this representative of a principled and consistent political champion of a left working-class agenda? His lifestyle also raises largely forgotten and ignored questions about the lifestyle of leaders and the subsequent social distance from our mass base. Is he indeed linked politically, commercially and personally to businessman Schabir Shaik and other problematic business interests? If these links exist, what should poor and working people make of such links? What is his understanding of the role of theory and intellectuals in the struggle, given his reported attacks on intellectuals?

 

Go read the rest for yourself, it's well worth it! As a side-note, the Young Communist League is considering suspending the member who wrote this discussion paper.