Why The Move ?

In an Interview with NZSPA four African students gave their reasons for opposing the admission of the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) to full delegate status at the Conference. They were Messrs. E. N. Mugenzi and J. K. Shija, of Uganda. Mr. F. K. Isingoma, of Tanganyika, and Mr. R. A. Solaja, or Nigeria.

"Though we are at an International conference we cannot forget what is happening at home," said Mr. Mugenzi. "There are several reasons why we think NUSAS at present does not meet the conditions for full delegate status." "Even If the technical conditions for admission were, in fact, fulfilled by NUSAS." he said, "the application should be declined on the grounds of principle.

"NUSAS adopts a lenient attitude In its approach to the South African Government," he said. "Our contention is that this Is a sort of cowardly approach which we do not think can help in any way to Improve the situation." After the vote had been taken Uganda had stated that If NUSAS became more militant It would receive their full support.

The delegates were anxious to stress the fact that their opposition to NUSAS was not based on racial grounds, as had been suggested. They came from multi-racial communities, the organisations they represented were multi-racial, and it was certainly not true that they were opposed to NUSAS because of the racial structure of that organisation. "We based our arguments not on racial but on fundamental grounds." said Mr. Isingoma.