African Agency: Nelson Mandela and the South African Communist Party

Since Mandela’s death, contemporary politics, remembrance, and debates have pivoted on whether or not Mandela was a Communist. In an article entitled, “Was Madiba Co-Opted into Communism?” Hugh MacMillan defiantly argues with Stephen Ellis, whose remarks that Mandela was a Communist and that the ANC had been hiding this reality sparked controversy. While only Mandela will truly know whether he was a “Communist” or not, this post will show what the general implications of Ellis’ work have been. Continue reading →