8th April 1999
This weekend marks one of the most important points in the history of the ongoing struggle for democracy and liberation in our country. It is the 6th anniversary of the cowardly murder of our late General Secretary, Comrade Chris Hani, and comes in the wake of the justified denial of amnesty to his killers, Clive Derby-Lewis and Janus Walusz.
Most appropriately, the commemoration of Hani's murder, comes at a time when the ANC-led Alliance is preparing to contest the upcoming 1999 election. Indeed, it was in the wake of his death that the date for our first ever, democratic elections - April 27th 1994 - was agreed upon. All the people of South Africa owe Chris Hani a massive debt.
We both remember and celebrate Comrade Chris for his outstanding qualities. He was a principled freedom fighter, a revolutionary dedicated to the unity of the working class and the broad liberation movement and committed, "body and soul", to the struggle of the poor and exploited. We also remember him as a dedicated communist who consistently campaigned against political careerism and patronage. Such a campaign is more appropriate than ever as we navigate through this difficult period of governance. The SACP will use the commemorations to bolster our guard against such tendencies - tendencies that can undermine the achievements for which Comrade Hani fought so hard.
Chris Hani was the embodiment of what has always guided the SACP. As we commemorate his life and death we continue to carry his message:
"There can be no true emancipation of the working class without the liberation of the black majority. At the same time, there can be no liberation of the black majority without the abolition of capitalism."
To this end, the SACP will be holding 15 commemorative events over the weekend, all across our country. The two main events will be held at Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape (10th April) and at the Brits Rugby Stadium in the North-West Province (11th April).
Comrades Charles Nqakula, John Gomomo and Thabo Mbeki will address the Cofimvaba rally and Comrades Blade Nzimande, John Gomomo and Nelson Mandela. The best commemoration for Chris Hani would be an overwhelming electoral victory for the ANC.
Issued by the SACP Department of Information & Publicity
E-Mail: sacp1@wn.apc.org
South African Communist Party Head Office
COSATU House
No. 1 Leyds Street - 7th Floor
Braamfontein 2001
Republic of South Africa
(Tel: 27 11 339-3621/2)
(Fax: 27 11 339-4244)