1 June 2004
The South African Communist Party (SACP) joins the rest of the country and the world in wishing Comrade Nelson Mandela a well-deserved rest following his announcement earlier today that he will retire from active public life.
You have played your role in the struggle for national liberation, people's power and democracy. You stood and suffered together with communists and non-communists behind the banner for freedom. You have been one of the greatest leaders produced in the lasty century. It has truly been a long walk to freedom.
We regard you as a close and principled ally and friend of workers, the poor and communists across the world. We look forward to many more years of friendship and comradeship with Madiba.
ISSUED BY
Blade Nzimande
SACP General Secretary
CONTACT
Mazibuko Kanyiso Jara (surname Jara)
Head of the Office of the General Secretary
South African Communist Party
Tel - + 27 11 339 3621, Fax - +27 11 339 4244/6880
Cell - +83 651 0271
Email - mazibuko@sacp.org.za