23 February 2022

On Tuesday 22 February 2022 the SACP Western Cape concluded the last provincial council of the 8^th Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), on a virtual platform, ahead of the impending 9^th Provincial Congress to be held on 11 – 13 March 2022. The Provincial council is the highest decision-making body between congresses which brings together structures across the province including the Central Committee deployees, PEC members, District Executive Committee members, branch delegates and representatives of the Young Communist League.

The provincial council paid tribute to a number of comrades who perished in the period under review. The meeting honoured these fallen heroes and drew strength from their undying commitment to the total liberation of the entire working class and ultimate elimination of all forms of exploitation in South Africa and bring about a humane global order.

SACP Provincial Council congratulate Cosatu on its successful 14^th Provincial Congress

Council congratulated the progressive trade union federation, Cosatu, on convening a successful Gender Conference and later Provincial Congress, respectively. Council saluted the renewal of the mandate of the federation and more importantly the unity and cohesion of the organised working-class formation. The unity of the trade union federation is the strength and bedrock on which depends the hegemony of the working class as a weapon against capitalist oppression.

Towards the 9^th SACP Provincial Congress and 15^th National Congress

The primary task of the Provincial Council was to conduct substantive preparation politically, organisationally and ideologically for the upcoming 9^th provincial congress. The Provincial Council received a political and organisational road-map whose content positively confirmed our readiness to convene the long over-due 9^th Provincial Congress as districts and branches have been built as per the Central Committee road-map towards congresses.

Against this background, the council applauded the hardworking cadreship of the Party that has propelled the organic growth of the Party across all six districts in the province despite limited resource capacity at our disposal. As we approach our respective congresses this year, we are inspired by Chairman Mao’s dictum that, “Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend.” The 9^th Provincial Congress will be a milestone in the context of the SACP still observing 100 years of unbroken and militant struggle against the brutal apartheid system, colonial subjugation and capitalist super-exploitation.

Further, the Provincial Council also served as a platform to develop a posture of the Western Cape ahead of the 15^th National Congress of the SACP to be held in July this year. For us, congresses should serve as a platform of reflection about the progress made, mistakes committed towards realisation of the Freedom Charter society.

Defend our Revolution from neoliberalism and austerity forces

The Provincial Council noted with grave concern the trajectory the National Democratic Revolution is taking at this current conjuncture. The deepening of neoliberalism and austerity within the state as epitomised by the posture of the economic cluster, treasury in particular, as it relates to the developmental role of the public sector. In this respect we reaffirm the principled position of the Central Committee about protecting our national sovereignty against all and every scheme of imperialist and neoliberal forces.

The embrace of neoliberalism is the source of the problem with dire consequences for the working class in particular the escalating unemployment, deepening poverty, widening inequality. Compounding these challenges is the decaying infrastructure, rising levels of crime including Gender Based Violence and extortionist syndicates operating freely. All these challenges perpetuate the generalised crisis that confronts South African society.

Council raised critical concerns regarding the polarised debate around the just transition as well as court actions regarding seismic surveys along our coastline. The SACP in the Western Cape will seek to deepen the debate by focusing on our developmental agenda and the necessity of adaptation and resilience of the planet.

Premier Allan Winde State of the Province Address an insult to the working class

The Provincial council assessed the underwhelming state of the province address delivered by Premier Allan Winde. The premier dismally failed to offer any solution to the pressing problems besetting the Western Cape from the housing crisis and land hunger; decaying infrastructure and lack of public amenities; lack of economic opportunities (leading to deepening racialised and gendered poverty), unemployment and inequality; the persistent crisis in education (as reflected in massive unplaced learners as well as underperforming schools).

Further, the DA led administration does not have any solution for the rising levels of crime and criminality including extortionist syndicates that are marauding our streets and ravaging our communities. The DA has no sustainable solution to the public transport instability in particular the volatile taxi industry which has led to loss of lives and livelihoods.

It is clear the DA administration is impervious to the plight of the poor and working families in the Western Cape and is only obsessed with a racially inspired policy agenda. The DA is gradually exposing itself to be incapable of lifting the majority out of poverty towards a life of dignity.

The working class has no choice but to rise and fight against racism, neglect and exclusion. As the SACP in the Western Cape, we commit to strengthen our resolve to mobilise the working class against this incompetent and racist DA government in the streets.

Revival of the rail system in the Cape Metro

The Provincial Council deliberated on the slow pace of the revival of the rail system and particularly the central line. The Party in the province called on all relevant stakeholders, the department of transport in particular, to accelerate the revival of the central lane. The current state of affairs remains an impediment to the working class to access economic opportunities and an indictment on our government.

Further, council calls on the provincial and metro governments respectively to release alternative land to those land hungry people who occupied the rail tracks.

Forward to the 9^th Provincial Congress Forward!

Issued by SACP Western Cape

Contact:

Benson Ngqentsu
Provincial Secretary
0827966400