Meaning: The quote, "One thing is obvious: Our policy, which is directed at making the country ungovernable, has started to bear fruit. The process that has been initiated is irreversible," by Joe Slovo, a prominent South African politician, reflects a significant period in the country's history and the political strategies employed during the struggle against apartheid. To fully understand the quote, it's important to delve into the context of the time and Slovo's role in the anti-apartheid movement.

During the 20th century, South Africa was entrenched in a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination known as apartheid. This system, implemented by the National Party from 1948 to 1994, enforced the separation of different racial groups and systematically oppressed the majority black population. In response to this oppressive regime, various anti-apartheid movements and political organizations emerged, aiming to challenge and dismantle the apartheid system.

Joe Slovo was a key figure in the anti-apartheid struggle, known for his leadership in the South African Communist Party (SACP) and his involvement in the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), Umkhonto we Sizwe. As a strategist and political thinker, Slovo played a pivotal role in shaping the resistance against apartheid.

The quote attributed to Slovo encapsulates a deliberate strategy employed by the anti-apartheid movement during the 1980s. At this time, there was a growing realization that peaceful protests and negotiations with the apartheid government were not yielding the desired results. In response, the movement adopted a strategy of making the country "ungovernable" through various means of mass resistance and civil disobedience.

Slovo's statement suggests that this policy of rendering the country ungovernable was beginning to achieve its intended objectives. The deliberate disruption of the apartheid regime's ability to maintain control and order was, in Slovo's view, yielding tangible results. Moreover, Slovo's assertion that the process was "irreversible" indicates a sense of confidence in the effectiveness and momentum of the anti-apartheid movement's strategies at that time.

The tactic of making the country ungovernable involved a wide range of actions, including strikes, boycotts, and protests that disrupted the functioning of the apartheid state. The objective was to create such widespread unrest and resistance that the government would be unable to maintain its authority and control over the population.

This strategy was not without controversy and debate within the anti-apartheid movement. While some advocated for a more confrontational approach, others emphasized the importance of peaceful resistance and negotiation. Slovo's quote reflects a perspective that endorsed a more radical and disruptive strategy, with the belief that it was necessary to escalate the pressure on the apartheid regime.

The impact of this strategy was felt in various ways. It contributed to heightened international attention on the injustices of apartheid, leading to increased pressure on the South African government to dismantle the system. Domestically, it also fueled a sense of urgency and solidarity among those fighting for freedom and equality.

Slovo's words capture a pivotal moment in the anti-apartheid struggle, highlighting the determination and resolve of the movement to achieve its goals. The concept of making the country ungovernable was not merely about causing chaos, but rather a strategic effort to destabilize the oppressive regime and pave the way for meaningful change.

In conclusion, Joe Slovo's quote encapsulates a critical juncture in the anti-apartheid movement's history, reflecting the deliberate strategy of making the country ungovernable as a means of challenging the apartheid regime. It underscores the determination and confidence of the movement in pursuing a more confrontational approach to bring about the irreversible change they sought. Slovo's words serve as a reminder of the resilience and strategic thinking that characterized the struggle against apartheid, ultimately contributing to the eventual dismantling of the oppressive system in South Africa.

I hope this explanation provides a comprehensive understanding of the quote and its significance in the context of the anti-apartheid movement.