22 January 2014
The 5th Congress District Executive Committee (DEC) of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in Phillip Radebe District, Mpumalanga Province, convened the 2nd Plenary Session of its District Executive Committee (DEC) on Saturday, 18 January 2014. The meeting was held in Malelane. The DEC received and considered the Political, Organisational and Financial Reports, and further adopted the 2014 implementation plan to take forward the Party Programme - the South African Road to Socialism, policies and resolutions.
The meeting noted the success of the African National Congress (ANC) January 8th Statement and 102nd Anniversary Rally, which was held in Mbombela. The massive attendance at the rally was a proof that masses still have hope on the liberation movement.
Lobby for a name change of the Region
The SACP in Phillip Radebe will engage with the ANC and other progressivestructures to consider re-naming the Ehlanzeni Region to Phillip Radebe in both political and administrative terms. Comrade Phillip Radebe was a leader of the ANC, SACP and Umkhonto we Sizwe from whom many of our cadres and people can take their cue. In honouring this revolutionary gallant fighter of our struggle we remain convinced that this name best suit the entire region.
The Joe Slovo Right to Learn Campaign
Comrade Joe Slovo served the SACP, ANC, and MK with diligence of unmatched quality and it is in that regard that we honour him through this campaign. The DEC had memorial lectures across the district dedicated to Comrade Slovo.
The meeting also acknowledged the work done by officials, learners, parents and guardians, unions (SADTU) in improving matric results of 2013 especially after hard times in the province in terms of credibility in previous years due to leakages.
The DEC resolved to pursue the Joe Slovo Right to Learn Campaign all year long to deal with the deep seated developmental problems that produce uneven learner outcomes at all schooling levels rather than just focusing on matric results.
Our campaign will also deal with the problem of independent schools, which operate like an island. Among others this will in include a campaign for funding towards these schools to be reviewed. The future of these schools must be be re-looked at, afresh.
Monopoly of Pharmaceutical Companies
The DEC welcomed the work done by the minister of health Comrade Aaron Motsoaledi particularly of harmonising and lowering drug prices. We are encouraged by his understanding of the political economy in the country and the world at large. The sector is monopolised by big companies who are now at an offensive fighting against the minister over the pricing of pharmaceutical drugs. The DEC is calling for an investigation of these conglomerates. The SACP in the district will further arrange a bilateral with COSATU-affiliated unions in NEHAWU and DENOSA and further engage on the matter.
De-tenderise the State
Tenderprenuers have benefited a lot through outsourcing of services in government institutions including basic services. We make a clarion call for the insourcing of security and cleaning services within these institutions in our drive to create more decent work and fight poverty. The casualization of workers is still a huge problem in the province. The SACP will arrange a meeting with SATAWU Toni the district to deal among others with these and other issues. As the vanguard of the working class we will continue to fight for workers interests.
District dedicating the year 2014 as the year of Chris Hani
The district will defend the legacy of Commissar Chris Hani. His work in the revolutionary alliance speaks for itself and must be emulated. He served the ANC, SACP, and Umkhonto we Sizwe with energy and the love for our people and never sold the revolution. We reiterate the YCLSA`s call for the inquest into his assassination. We condemn all reactionary forces attempting to draw parallels between themselves and Chris Hani. Those inspired by Comrade Chris Hani would not leave the alliance just because there are challenges and form splinter and counter populist organisations. Just like Comrade Mzala Ncumalo, we will always say "the rice must be cooked inside the pot".
Issued by SACP Phillip Radebe District
Enquiries:
Bobert Nkosi - District Secretary
Mobile: 082 479 3057
Kabelo Ben Monepya - District Spokesperson
Mobile: 083 662 8091