Identity Cards

After successfully completing his education, the pupil, if he wants to proceed further must pass an examination qualifying him to have an identity card, unless his father already has one.

Often the identity card is obtained at a cost of gold equivalent to the weight of the card. Having the means is not enough. The applicant must prove himself worthy of the card by actually demonstrating that he has been completely "assimilated" into the Portuguese way of life. A representative of the government must testily that the applicant eats, sleeps, enjoys his leisure hours, dresses, etc., like a Portuguese. Most of the Angolans are unable to pass the rigid tests set for them, as the wages they receive are too meagre for them to afford the way of life of their governors. So most can not obtain a card either for themselves or their children. Only 0.7 per cent, achieve "assimilation."

Besides the identity card, African students must carry a school card issued by their respective schools. Otherwise, they can be rounded up and sent to labour camps.

In summing up, the Angolan student is able to study only under the most difficult circumstances due to a regime which tries with all means available to stunt his natural development.

It is foolhardy to think that the "winds of change," sweeping relentlessly across Africa, will stop at the borders of Angola.

[The facts and figures given can he easily checked of time. January 2, 1961. The editors and staff of Salient do not necessarily agree with the political statements made here about the Portuguese government.]

—Meha.