H aving analysed SA N SC O 's ideology and politics, I now examine

particular aspects o f its organisation. Specifically, I focus on its

structure and membership, its m odes o f recruitm ent and education and training o f its members, its organisational culture, and the

conditions that shaped its activities. These issues are considered in relation to tw o distinct periods. The first period is the years 1979 to 1986, which were generally characterised by reform initiatives on the part of the apartheid state and by an upsurge in political opposition and mass action on the part o f the dominated classes and strata. Organisational issues during this period are, in turn, discussed in relation to tw o phases of SA N SC O 's life. The first phase tracks the organisation betw een its form ation in late 19 7 9 and m id-1981 when it m oved from a com mitment to Black Consciousness towards a Congress m ovem ent perspective on struggle. The second phase covers the period m id-1981 to m id-1986,

when it established a strong organisational presence at higher educational

institutions.