SMALL as it seems, the recognition by the governing ANC that the PAC was behind the turning point in the struggle is itself a defining moment.

SMALL as it seems, the recognition by the governing ANC that the PAC was behind the turning point in the struggle is itself a defining moment.

Until now, the ANC has sought to debunk the contribution of the PAC in the struggle.

We have asked why the ruling party stooped to such demagoguery and allowed our history to be distorted.

But on Friday former president Thabo Mbeki reminded all in his contribution to Sowetan that Sharpeville Day was organised by the PAC.

Commemorating the March 21 massacre on Sunday, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe added to Mbeki's contribution when he said the "Sharpeville and Langa massacres were a tipping point" in our history.

"This precipitated the end of the non-violent struggle and brought to bear the advent of the armed struggle by the liberation movement," Motlanthe said.

"Admirers of history must acknowledge the roles played by certain communities and political organisations on all sides of the political and ideological divide."

We hope this is also a call for a monument to PAC leader Robert Sobukwe.

The regime effected the Sobukwe Clause because he was "the most dangerous native".

Thus Motlanthe and Mbeki have hitherto showed the most welcome sign of political maturity by the ANC.