19 August 2002
The unqualified apology that I made to the ANC National Executive, meeting over the past weekend, for the contents of the interview I gave to Dr Helena Sheehan, was neither coerced nor tactical. It has been made sincerely and as a matter of principle.
In its approach, tone, and in the discussion of many internal matters outside of our organisations the interview was a mistake. What I most regret about the interview is that the undisciplined handling of serious issues can, precisely, undermine the fostering of robust debate, criticism, self-criticism and unity within our movement, not least between communist and non-communist ANC members.
In the context of my own apology, the unambiguous reaffirmation by the ANC NEC of its commitment to the right of every member to raise and debate issues with and within the structures of the movement is one I welcome and remain dedicated to fostering.
Issued by Jeremy Cronin, SACP Deputy General Secretary and ANC NEC member
CONTACT
Mazibuko K. Jara (surname Jara)
Department of Media, Information and Publicity
South African Communist Party
Tel - 011 339-3621/2
Fax - 011 339-4244
Cell - 083 651 0271
Email - mazibuko@sacp.org.za