S. M. BENNETT NCWANA

If any one takes a deeper view of the black problem in South Africa he will find that beneath the question of land tenure lies that of political rights, and that though public opinion in certain respects differs very widely, the Union Parliament recognises the fact that a minority of the Native population of South Africa have given full proof that they are worthy of the franchise. The spirit of hostility against the petition for the removal of the colour bar should not have caused surprise, but it is a startling revelation that has greatly disturbed the minds of both Natives and coloured peoples of the Union, and it would appear that the political situation in South Africa will continue to assume its former doubtful position. The laudable view of the intelligent South African Native is that it is impossible to civilise an individual and at the same time refuse him the rightof political liberty. The question of equal rights is held by him, and rightly so, as the rock-bottom of scientific civilisation without which there can be no attainment to the highest happiness of mankind.

-S. M. Bennett Ncwana, "Native Voters' Association", Umteteli wa Bantu, April 7, 1923.