8 December 2020

We, the 252 delegates attending to the 1^st virtual Provincial Council of the South African Communist Party (SACP) in Mpumalanga, coming from structures of the SACP at all levels, the Alliance, the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) and International guests coming from PUDEMO declare that:

We have received and adopted the Political, Organisational and Financial reports with an input by the Central Committee, messages of support from the Alliance partners, YCLSA and an International message of solidarity from PUDEMO.

Economy

The Provincial Council noted with concern the collapse of the South African economy as a result of capitalism being a crisis to both itself and the masses of the people. The continued retrenchment programme that is being implemented across the country, particularly in the private sector, is but one sign of the ruthlessness of the capitalist system.

We reject all forms of privatisation of State Owned Enterprises as they are in no way intended to help our people but to grow the pockets of the fat cats as they seek to maximise profits every day. The continued looting that we have been observing with the State Owned Enterprises must not go unpunished.

It is believed by us that the only system that will emancipate the people of both the province and the country is a socialist system. This system remains the only system that is humane enough to see the people of the world live a better life. Capitalism is the demon that continues to eat away the soul of our people turning them against each other every day.

The need to build a people based economy has never been more relevant in the history of humankind than it is today. The localised form of the economy that is characterised by common ownership is what we need most at this hour of darkness. This is the only way that we can save our brothers and sisters from the cruelty of big business. We are calling on all the municipalities in the province to prioritise cooperatives in their procurement process for provision of services.

We call on structures of the SACP and the Alliance in the province to assist in the process of launching cooperatives and assist them to develop requisite capacity to function optimally. We call for re-integration of the masses of our people to the township economy as we have noted with fury the fact that our people have been displaced by big business as we observe conglomerates such as Pick N Pay taking over tuckshops in our townships on top of a strain that had been created by stiff competition by foreign nationals.

Deepening the National Democratic Revolution

The divisions in the African National Congress (ANC) are a serious cause for concern for the revolution as they derail the work of completing the implementation of the National Democratic Revolution.

The SACP in Mpumalanga still reaffirms its commitment to the need of a reconfigured alliance. The attempt to capture the movement by right wing elements must be resisted at all material times. These elements seek to impose their neoliberal trajectory in the country to enrich themselves and to empower their compradorial interests.

The SACP in Mpumalanga is not in support of the neo-liberal agenda that is being introduced by the Treasury through the said austerities. The opportunistic agenda of certain leaders of the ANC who have grouped themselves under the theme Radical Economic Transformation also can never get support from us. We see through their fake radicalism as we know that their primary motive is to loot the state resources.

Fight to Stop Corruption

The SACP has forever been clear on the matters relating to corruption. We are pleased by the actions that we have recently witnessed by the HAWKS on the arrests that have been made. We call for the conviction of all those who are guilty of corruption as arrests alone cannot be enough.

The SACP in Mpumalanga will continue to work with communities and other progressive stakeholders in ensuring the fight against corruption. Let all those who are exposed to acts of corruption report those acts to authorities so that action can be taken against those responsibly.

Fight against Gender Based Violence

We call all members of our society to intervene and play an active role in the fight against Gender Based Violence. No one has a right to the body of another human being without their permission.

We commit ourselves to continue to support all those that have been victimised and call on all stakeholders to give necessary support to all victims of abuse. We call on all law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and with speed against all those who are guilty of abuse regardless of their status in society. Punishment of perpetrators should be so severe to serve deterrence.

Workers’ Struggle

“Workers of the world unite, you have nothing to lose but your chains”, proclaimed the Communist Manifesto.

We have noted with serious concern the disunity of the workers in the country. This disunity is a crippling concern to the advancement of the revolution and working-class struggles. We call on all working-class forces to unite and fight against the offensive brought about by the capitalists in their quest to maximise profits.

State and Popular Power  

In the upcoming local government elections, the SACP will remain on the side of the people. We are not going to tolerate any form of discrimination against candidates who are popular with the masses of our people. We call for fairness from those who will be leading the process of nominations.

International work of Solidarity

We as the SACP in Mpumalanga reaffirm our unconditional support to the people of Syria, Palestine and Western Sahara in their struggles for emancipation from the colonial hand of imperialism. The working class in Swaziland must rise up and intensify their fight against the tinkhundla regime.

Released by the SACP Mpumalanga province

Contact:

Bonakele Majuba

SACP Mpumalanga Provincial Secretary

082 968 4877

Lesetja Dikgale

076 869 4360