20th February 1997
Comrade Jian Zemin
General Secretary
Chinese Communist Party
Dear Comrade General Secretary
Please accept the heartfelt condolences of the South African communist Party following the death of comrade Deng Xiaoping.
Comrade Deng Xiaoping was a courageous Communist, who understood that the socialist ideal was not a mechanical blue-print. He understood that socialism needed adaptation to local, national conditions, and that it required continuous renewal.
We are convinced that comrade Deng Xiaoping has laid a sturdy basis for the continued development of the People's Republic of China, a path that will be pursued by his successors.
As South African Communists we are pleased that Cde Deng Xiaoping lived to see the important strategic shift in diplomatic relations between our two countries.
With solidarity and warmest wishes, long live the friendship between our parties and peoples,
Signed: Charles Nqakula
General Secretary