What Sort of Self-Government?
There are two essential elements to self-government, as the term Is used and understood all over the modern world . They are: 1. Democracy. The organs of Government must be representative. That is to say they must be the freely-chosen leaders and representatives Of the people, whose mandate must be renewed at periodic democratic elections. 2. Sovereignty. The Government thus chosen must be free to legislate and act as It deems fit on behalf of the people, not subject to any limitations upon its powers by any alien or internal authority. Now neither of these two essentials are present in the Nationalist plan. The “Bantu National Units” will be ruled in effect by the Commissioners-General appointed by the Union Government, and administered by the B.A.D. officials under his control. When the Government says it plans gradually increasing self-government, it merely means that more powers in future will be exercised by appointed councils of Chiefs and headmen. No provision is made for electi
