The Democratic Left Front was formed as a non-sectarian and non-authoritarian anti-capitalist front in South Africa. It was formed from the Conference for a Democratic Left launched in 2008, at an event held in Johannesburg in January 2011. It played a notable role in solidarity campaigns, most notably concerning the Marikana massacre. With the rise of the United Front, and following divisions within the DLF, the formation has become less active.
Contents
Debates
The Zabalaza Anarchist Communist Front expressed reservations about the almost entirely middle class nature of the leadership of the DLF and matters of internal processes. However the South African Unemployed Peoples' Movement welcomed the DLF as an "historic opportunity".
Campaigns
The DLF expressed strong support for the rights of LGTBI people.
The DLF was actively involved in the Occupy Johannesburg movement in coordination with Taking Back South Africa! on 15 October 2011 as part of the global Occupy movement.
The DLF supported the Marikana miners' strike in 2012 and was centrally involved in the Marikana Support Committee.