ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the formation, policies and aims, strategies and tactics, membership and structure, and practices of the United Democratic Front (UDF) and selected affiliated organisations during the period 1983 to 1987. It demonstrates that the relation between revolutionary theory and praxis and the formation, aims, policies and practices of the UDF and affiliated organisations. The UDF was able to draw under its political leadership a wide variety of organisations, consisting of leaders and with membership drawn from every race and virtually every class group in society. The UDF also drew support from every race group in the country, although the overwhelming bulk of the rank-and-file membership of UDF affiliates was drawn from the African working class. Student and youth organisations played a pivotal role in the development and spread of revolutionary consciousness in South Africa and in achieving the political and ideological leadership of the UDF.
