The significance of 75 years of unbroken struggle by the South African Communist Party resides on two levels. Firstly, we commemorate the vital history of the SACP whose gallant struggles through theoretical and practical interventions played a central role in defining the conditions necessary for the April 27 breakthrough. Secondly, these 75 years of unbroken struggle mark a time of celebration for our current and future movement towards socialism. An anniversary is an important moment for assessing what our role has been and critically determining where we are going. The theme '75 years of unbroken struggle' is therefore intimately accompanied with the understanding that the SACP is a party rooted in the struggles of the present and is indisputably a party of the 21st century. It is within this context that the 1996 congress of the SACP in Gauteng adopted a resolution on Building a Broad Movement for Transformation linked directly to our understanding of 75 years of unbroken struggle.
At our congress, the membership of the SACP recognised the historical progressive traditions that were pioneered by South African communists, including progressive trade union work, non-racialism and cadre development. Our members have a proud tradition of commitment and hard work for achieving the goals of socialism. The SACP has a history of more than 70 years of alliance experience. Such alliances are emerging as the shape of progressive politics internationally. We further acknowledged that the National Democratic Revolution is the basis for building a broad movement identifying broad interests.
In light of the above, as communists in Gauteng we reasserted our commitment to building a strong communist party, upholding the banner of socialism in all areas of struggle. These areas of struggle include the day-to-day struggles of the working class, of communities, and the struggle for progressive economic and social policies. As communists in Gauteng, we reasserted our commitment to working tirelessly to build and strengthen our alliance centred on a perspective of the working class and the poor. Part of strengthening the alliance to be at the forefront of the struggle includes taking up joint campaigns and programmes. As an extension of this alliance, we intend to assemble a broad movement for transformation through developing a minimum programme that all forces are committed to based on the principles of a people-centred RDP, meeting basic needs, upholding worker rights, gender equality and an anti-crime programme. As communists in Gauteng, we reasserted our commitment to strive to affirm our ideological influence within this broad movement and to develop and deepen a socialist vision.
On this anniversary of the SACP, we commemorate 75 years of unbroken struggle and celebrate a commitment to the struggles of the working class and the poor and our efforts to advance a socialist vision in South Africa. On this 75th anniversary of the SACP we remember that our past is not separate from us, but is within us. It is this vital and courageous past that informs our current perspectives and will serve to inspire our future struggles.
Events to celebrate the 75th anniversary
Throughout the year SACP branches, districts and provinces will be hosting events in celebration of 75 years of unbroken struggle. Some events in the next week include:
Event 1
Date: Tuesday 30 July
Venue:Johannesburg City Hall
Time:17h30
Event: Public meeting and party
Event 2
Date:Sunday 4 August
Venue:Western Deep Levels, B Arena, Carletonville
Time:10h00
Event:Rally