About the 1812 Movement
A political liberation movement rooted in the struggles of 1812, fighting for a united, empowered, and equitable society.
Our History
The Eighteen Twelve Movement (ETM) is a political liberation movement rooted in the struggles of 1812, when indigenous peoples of South Africa resisted colonial oppression. Inspired by the vision and legacy of our ancestors, ETM seeks to honor their fight for a united, empowered, and equitable society.
In 1812, amid colonial exploitation, a lingua franca known as Fanagalo emerged in the mines, uniting diverse African communities — including Zulu, Xhosa, Khoisan, and others — through a shared language. Fanagalo fostered trust, brotherhood, and secrecy, enabling coordination in the fight against colonial rule.
ETM stands with indigenous peoples of Africa and oppressed communities worldwide, united by the shared scars of slavery, colonialism, and dispossession. These forces stripped us of our land, resources, dignity, heritage, culture, identity, and languages. Yet, our ancestors' resilience inspires us to reclaim our collective strength.
The 1812 Movement is a liberal political movement launched in 2025 to commit to building a just, free, and equal South Africa. We believe that every person — regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, language, or economic background — deserves to be treated with dignity and afforded equal opportunities under the law.
Our Vision
A South Africa where government serves the people, where freedom is protected, where communities are empowered, and where the Constitution is lived in practice, not just on paper.
Our Mission
We commit to building a just, free, and prosperous South Africa where every person is treated with dignity and afforded equal opportunities under the law. We believe in servant leadership — leaders who serve the people.
Our Core Values
Equality before the Law
The law must protect everyone equally. No one is above the law, and no one should be left behind.
Individual Freedom
We defend personal freedoms, human rights, and civil liberties as enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa.
Accountability & Clean Governance
Public office is a position of service, not self-enrichment. Corruption steals from the poor and must be eradicated.
Social Justice
We fight injustice, discrimination, and exclusion in all its forms.
Community Empowerment
Strong communities build a strong nation. Decisions must be made with the people, not for the people.
Our Aims
- Reclaim the heritage, dignity and status of the First Nations of South Africa
- Recognise the First Nation Genocide and reverse the extinct status of the people
- Non-discrimination — we do not advocate racial discrimination or any kind of racial ideology
- Encourage social cohesion amongst all minority groups in South Africa
- Promote self-owned businesses and education initiatives in oppressed communities
- Implement structures to eradicate Gender Based Violence
- Ensure fairness and representation for the LGBTQ+ community
- Promote intellectual, stimulating and constructive debate among members
