12 June 2004
Yesterday, the Star newspaper reported that the South African Communist Party (SACP) branch in Ventersdorp is ready to welcome Eugene Terre'Blanche back to Ventersdorp after serving three years of a longer sentence for attempted murder. According to the Star's report, SACP local organiser, David Matinyane said "We plan to use ET's release as a launching pad for reconciliation".
Whilst this report is accurate about the plans of the local Ventersdorp branch, it is not the position of the SACP to welcome Terreblanche's release on parole, let alone being actively involved in plans as reported in the Star.
The SACP believes that Terre'blanche is a right wing and racist politician who has a track-record of abuse and racist assaults on black people including workers in his Ventersdorp farm. His spell in jail has not changed this. He has not shown remorse for his actions. The SACP shall not tolerate this and this is part of the reasons that we are mobilising farm and rural communities.
The release of Terre'blanche also highlights how the justice system fails to mete out justice - how can a racist be released on parole for apparent good behaviour? Was the victim consulted? What about the rest of the Ventersdorp community which Terre'blanche and his AWB cohorts terrorised over many years? For these reasons, the SACP will seek further information from relevant authorities regarding whether the release of Terre'blanche is in order.
Terre'blanche should have served his full sentence.
The SACP national office has already informed its North West structures and the local Ventersdorp branch about this in order that Comrade Matinyane can withdraw statements made and from any plans to welcome Terreblanche. The SACP appreciates the branch's committment to practical action reconciliation which must be on the basis of social and economic justice and not half-hearted attempts by the local Ventersdorp and other beneficiaries of apartheid.
CONTACT
Mazibuko Kanyiso Jara
Head of the Office of the General Secretary
South African Communist Party
Cell - 083 651 0271, Tel - 011 339 3621
Email - mazibuko@sacp.org.za