Meaning: This quote by Nelson Mandela reflects the historical relationship between communism and anti-colonial movements in various countries. Mandela, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and leader of the African National Congress, recognized the significant role that communists played in advocating for the liberation and self-determination of colonial nations. In his statement, he highlights the alignment between the goals of communism and the aspirations of freedom movements, emphasizing their shared interest in challenging colonial oppression and pursuing social justice.

During the 20th century, many colonial countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America sought to break free from the yoke of imperial domination and establish independent sovereign states. In this context, communists and socialist organizations often provided support and solidarity to these liberation struggles, viewing them as part of a broader global movement against capitalist exploitation and colonialism. The quote underscores the ideological convergence between communism and anti-colonialism, as both aimed to dismantle oppressive systems and empower marginalized peoples.

One of the key principles of communism is the idea of international solidarity and support for oppressed peoples in their struggles for liberation. This principle led communist parties and leftist groups to forge alliances with anti-colonial movements, offering material aid, political guidance, and ideological inspiration. In many cases, communist leaders and thinkers, such as Lenin, Mao Zedong, and Che Guevara, expressed solidarity with national liberation movements and provided theoretical frameworks for understanding colonial oppression within the context of global class struggle.

The relationship between communism and anti-colonialism was not without controversies and complexities. Some critics accused communist movements of exploiting anti-colonial struggles for their own geopolitical interests, while others denounced anti-communist propaganda that sought to discredit the legitimacy of national liberation movements by labeling them as mere tools of communist expansion. Nonetheless, the historical record demonstrates that communists and anti-colonial activists often found common cause in their shared opposition to colonialism and their vision of a more just and equitable world.

In the case of Nelson Mandela and the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, the African National Congress received considerable support from communist allies, both domestically and internationally. Mandela himself acknowledged the contributions of communists to the anti-apartheid movement and emphasized the solidarity between the ANC and the South African Communist Party. This collaboration reflected a pragmatic alliance based on the shared goal of overthrowing the racist regime and building a non-racial, democratic society.

Mandela's quote encapsulates the understanding that the objectives of communism, which seek to address class-based exploitation and inequality, can intersect with the long-term aspirations of freedom movements in colonial and post-colonial contexts. While the specific historical circumstances of each liberation struggle varied, the broader theme of aligning the struggle for social justice with the fight against colonial oppression resonated across different regions and time periods.

In conclusion, Nelson Mandela's quote serves as a reminder of the historical connections between communism and anti-colonial movements, as well as the enduring relevance of their shared commitment to freedom, self-determination, and social transformation. It invites us to consider the complex dynamics of solidarity and struggle that have shaped the history of decolonization and the ongoing quest for global justice.