On 20 August 1983 thousands of activists and community leaders from across the country gathered at Rocklands Civic Centre in Mitchells Plain to launch the UDF. They represented the civic organisations, the youth, students, women, unions, religions, professionals and a range of other organisations, all united by a common opposition to apartheid. The front's character enabled it to unite the broadest range of forces as it deepened the pillar of internal mass mobilisation. This tactic of broadening the front of struggle, while at the same time deepening the struggle, has been used consistently throughout the history of our country.
The formation of the UDF was a realisation of the command issued by the former President of the ANC in 1983 when he said the following:
For us to achieve victory it is essential that the masses of our people engage in struggle as a conscious and united force that requires that these masses must have their own democratic organisation to mobilise and guide them and through which they can themselves make their own viewpoint heard.
In the short time of the existence of the UDF, it gave form and coherence to the struggle ranging from the most local of issues to broad national political demands for the unbanning of the ANC, release of political prisoners and an end to apartheid. The achievements of the UDF demonstrate the importance of a united action. Thank you.