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UNEMO 1  AU'ST iAMA
A general explanation has been given to justify why some Student Organizations
or Students as such should or ought to take political actions on all matters that
concern the society. It was said that the Student (Organizations) Unions in the
developing areas, being a privileged minority in the societies, is in a position to
see and understand the various factors that determine the political decisions and
actions by the existing governments or the political parties. Therefore, since
outside these student groups there are only few, if any at all, other independent
organizations capable of giving a fruitful criticism and constructive cooperation,
the students are called upon to engage fully in revamping of society and its
reorientation, 'veil, on this point most of us agree.
For our particular case, Mr. Chairman, I would like to inform my felloxtf
delegates that our Student Organization came into existence in peculiar circumstances which have molded aljnost the whole policy of our Organization.
Although Academic freedom,theartral events and other normal concerns of the
Students do occupy the background of our programs, we are foremost and ultimately
dedicated to the destruction of the colonial system itfhich has been dominating our
country for a long period, and the formation of a free and democratic society.
Hence, our program involves a total commitment by the Students in the struggle
against colonialism, neo-colonialism and all its manifestations.
Mr. Chairman, in a country where the actions of those who are opposed to the
prevailing system must remain anonymous, in a situation where solidarity among
all organizations that fight against the system must of necessity establish a
framework of cooperation in order that they concerted action may be of any consequence, the Student Orgaization cannot remain aloof or apolitical.
When we came into existence three years ago, there were more than two political
parties working towards liberation of Mozambique. Since all of these parties had
no difference in the principle matters, it was possible for our Student Organization to cooperate with all, although unefficiently and with considerable difficulties. We sought to unite them by narrowing the difference that existed between them in the matters of expediency both by devising new programs of actions
and also by pointing out to the dificiencies of such a division fo nationalist
force«
Once FRELIMO (Mozambique Liberation Front) was formed by the meger of the
three major political parties, our cooperation with the Front has been almost
over all matters.
I have, Mr. Chairman, mentioned some of the reasons why we feel ovx  National
Union have to cooperate with political partyj but there are several other important reasons for our cooperation because the political party, having in mind
the building of a future nation and lacking however in necessary staff for the
consideration of all the questions that concern a Nation (social reorganization^
economic planning, political framing and so on), it need the Students, and the
Students feel it is their duty to contribute in these matters. For we conceive
our struggle not only as a physical war against the Portuguese divisions in
Mozambique, but rather a long struggle involving particularly the distruction of
social, economic and political systems that brought about the subjugation of our
people and itfhich are not conducive to any appreciable progress.
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