Description
Hassen's political consciousness grew at Westville University in 1976 and led him to join the ANC. He was forced into exile and became part of the political leadership of the ANC's underground structures. The focus of Hassen's underground work covers three specific areas. The first is Soweto, the formation of the Youth Congresses, and what came to be known as Organs of People's Popular Power. The second focus is Lenasia, where the first Area Politico-Military structure was established. The third area of focus is the first Regional Politico-Military Unit that was established in Pretoria. After the unbanning of the ANC, Hassen joined the PWV Region of the ANC in 1991 to establish the first legal branches of the ANC. In 1992 he became part of the negotiation of our Interim, and later, the final constitution. With this opportunity, he had the good fortune of working with some of the great leaders that shaped South Africa's transition and being part of some of the key defining moments. Hassen spent the next ten years in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development implementing the new constitution.
Since 2011, Hassen has been working internationally on various missions, mainly on behalf of the UN, primarily doing mediation work in countries coming out of conflict. He has also worked extensively on different constitution-making exercises.
It provides an account of an activist who participated in some of the defining moments in South Africa's transition from apartheid to a constitutional democracy. Details how an ANC underground machinery was established and successfully operated with a politicomilitary capacity. It shows how the struggle for a non-racial democracy was not just a lofty ideal; it was also one that was executed by activists from different communities working together in non-racial underground structures.
About the Author
Hassen Ebrahim grew up in Marabastad and was politicised in 1976 while at Westville University. After going into exile in Botswana, he obtained a degree in law where he practised until 1990. During this period, he established an ANC underground politico-military machinery while also raising a family. After returning from exile, he was roped into the negotiation of both the Interim and Final Constitutions. After spending a further eleven years in the public sector, Hassen went on to work on various international assignments, mainly for the UN. He is married to Soraya and, between them, they have five children and six grandchildren.
Book Information
ISBN 9781431429011
Author Hassen Ebrahim
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint Jacana Media
Publisher Jacana Media (Pty) Ltd
Weight(grams) 500g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 155mm * 15mm