“The structure and organisation of early African societies in this country fascinated me very much and greatly influenced the evolution of my political outlook. There were no classes, no rich or poor and no exploitation of man by man. All men were free and equal, and this was the foundation of government.

Recognition of this general principle found expression in the constitution of the council, variously called “Imbizo” or “Pitso” or “Kgotla,” which governs the affairs of the tribe. The council was so completely democratic that all members of the tribe could participate in its deliberations. It was so weighty and influential a body that no step of any importance could ever be taken by the tribe without reference to it. There was much in such a society that was primitive and insecure, and it certainly could never measure up to the demands of the present epoch. But in such a society are contained the seeds of revolutionary democracy in which none will be held in slavery or servitude, and in which poverty, want and insecurity shall be no more.”

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
(Long Walk to Freedom.)