"Therefore, our fight must primarily be a political mass struggle with revolutionary goals"

Joe Slovo’s call for a political mass struggle with revolutionary goals situates the process of social transformation firmly within the collective agency of ordinary people. The central idea underscores the necessity of mobilizing large segments of the population, rather than relying solely on small groups or vanguard formations. This perspective acknowledges that the legitimacy, durability, and transformative potential of any revolutionary change is rooted in the sustained and active participation of the masses.

Emphasizing the political nature of the struggle shifts the arena from isolated acts of protest or armed resistance to a broader engagement with systems of power, state institutions, and the ideological narratives that underpin them. Mass political struggle means creating collective awareness, organizing workers, peasants, and other marginalized groups, and fostering unity among diverse elements of society who share a vision for change. It also involves challenging oppressive laws, unjust structures, and the monopoly of the ruling elite over the mechanisms of governance and social control. Such a struggle is not only directed outwardly towards existing power but also inwardly, transforming the consciousness and capacities of the oppressed.

The invocation of “revolutionary goals” further clarifies that the aim is not merely to reform or make incremental improvements within the existing framework, but to fundamentally restructure society so that relationships of power, ownership, and justice are revised. It is a call to reorganize the political, economic, and social foundations in favor of equity and the upliftment of those historically excluded. The phrase thus highlights the rejection of half-measures or piecemeal reforms and reaffirms the necessity of a total transformation rooted in popular participation.

Collectively, these ideas remind us that enduring change arises not from isolated acts or charismatic leaders, but from the collective strength and consciousness of organized people pursuing bold, visionary objectives. It is a call to unity, organization, and a clear-eyed focus on liberation.