15 April 2011
The SACP has observed with interest the proceedings currently underway in the Equality Court in a case brought against the ANC YL President, Cde Julius Malema.
It is quite clear to us as the SACP that the court case constitutes what our National Chairperson referred to as "the reality of racists becoming more confident in society". Both Afri-forum and TAU are not committed to solving a major issue confronting society, the challenge of violent crime which includes murder, including the preponderance of violence and abuse directed at black farmworkers by some of the white, racist farmers... To try and blame farm killings on the singing of the song is merely opportunistic and there is no evidence that once the song is banned the barbaric act of farm killings will come to an end. Instead this wasteful stunt by Afri-forum may as well be intended to divert attention from some of the worst oppressive, exploitative and often violent conditions under which black farmworkers, and their families and communities are subjected to on white owned farms.
The opportunism of Afri-forum and TAU is exposed by their silence on the killings of farm workers by farm owners. Their so called commitment to building a new society which is inclusive is betrayed by their silence when the old flag was hoisted at the funeral of Eugene Terreblanche.
This court case is part and parcel of various experiments to use our courts to curtail nation building, economic development and secure white minority interests. The objectives of the ANC have never been to harm anyone and these objectives have in the past been accepted by bodies such as the United Nations, the then OAU and many other progressive governments. The TRC spent considerable time debating these issues as well and it has been clarified that consistent with its noble goals the slogans and chants of the ANC had never intended to mean what Afri-forum and TAU allege.
The racists are out to undermine the nation building project. The working class must stand up and defend our historic symbols and our unity going forward. Our history will not be re-written in courts!
Issued by the SACP
Contact:
Malesela Maleka
SACP Spokesperson – 082 226 1802