People's Democracy

CPI(M) Greets SACP on its 90^th Anniversary

The following is the text of the message of greetings sent by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) to the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party on July 29, 2011, on the occasion of the 90^th anniversary of its founding

THE Central Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) conveys its warm fraternal communist greetings to the South African Communist Party (SACP) on the 90^th anniversary of its founding.

During these 90 years of its existence, the SACP has played an important part in the national liberation struggle and in the battle and defeat of apartheid. The history of the SACP is a history of a party tempered in the consistent struggle not only against the racial oppression but also against the class oppression of the bourgeoisie. In spite of the severe repression unleashed by the white supremacist colonialists, the party steadfastly adhered to the principles of Marxism-Leninism and to the cause of the working class.

Since the victory over the apartheid regime, the SACP is playing an important role in the ruling coalition along with the ANC and COSATU. It is seriously engaged in transforming the highly exploitative and discriminatory apartheid structures and to provide the predominantly black population with economic empowerment. The SACP is also playing a prominent role in ensuring that the country does not deviate from its path of National Democratic Revolution. In this background, it is not out of place to recall the recent struggle the party had to wage against the '1996 Project'. Rich from its experience, both from being part of the government and also through its experience of earlier struggles out of the government, has made the SACP conclude that the success of the transition of South Africa to consolidate the national democratic revolution can only come under the working class hegemony.

The CPI (M) is following with interest the struggles carried out by the SACP and its efforts to achieve the goals of National Democratic Revolution. We are also observing eagerly the struggles waged by the SACP for an enhanced role of the State in the economy, for better healthcare and against corruption.

On the occasion of the 90^th anniversary of its founding, the CPI (M) once again greets the SACP and the entire membership of the party on this joyous occasion. We take this opportunity to once again reiterate our fraternal solidarity and hope to strengthen the bonds of friendship further in the coming days.