The rights of traders, small farmers and petty manufacturers are guaranteed in the Charter. This is not some tactical concession or an attempt to pull the wool over their eyes. This question must be considered from the perspective of both the struggle against national oppression and class exploitation.

The rights of these middle elements derive in the first place from the fact that our struggle is national. While the Charter is a document that primarily reflects working-class interests, it is nevertheless also a popular document, a programme for the liberation of all oppressed. The Charter demand that “the rights of the people shall be the same regardless of race, colour or sex”, and the demand that “All people shall have equal rights to trade where they choose, to manufacture and to enter all trades, crafts and professions”, speak meaningfully to the many thousands of black traders and shopkeepers. This stratum is nationally oppressed by Group Areas, and many other forms of racial discrimination.

At the same time, there is a class aspect to the question. These middle elements, and not just those among them who are black, are themselves in the thrall of the big monopolies who are squeezing them.

The clause relating to the nationalisation of monopoly industry, banks and other financial institutions speaks not only to the interests of the workers, but is also aimed at all others who are dominated by the monopolies.

It is important to realise that with national liberation these middle classes and strata need not fear for their future. They would be allowed to pursue their occupations, subject to popular control. Furthermore, it would not necessarily be incompatible with the interests of socialism to allow such strata and middle classes to continue to operate, subject to working-class control.

If a future socialist state were to take over the small enterprises in the townships, on the street corners, the barber shops, the small trades, the handicraft stalls and similar activities, it would undertake a huge burden. In order to manage the small enterprises it would have to establish a massive bureaucracy. Such activity might best be left in private hands, subject to state control.