Moses Mabhida Province Speaks From a Successful SACP Congress
13 January 2015
The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Moses Mabhida Province held its 7th Provincial Congress from the 5th to the 9th of January 2015 at Esayidi FET College in UMzimkhulu.
The congress was held under the theme: Protect, Defend and Advance the National Democratic Revolution for the Second Phase of Radical Economic Transformation."
The congress was attended by 850 delegates drawn from 329 branches and 21 districts. Also in attendance there were six Members of the Central Committee led by General Secretary Cde Blade Nzimande, Leadership of the YCL in the Province and Nationally, Members of the Party Discussion Forum, Members of the Alliance and our fraternal friends.
The congress was dedicated to the memory of our late General Secretary and later Chairperson Comrade Joe Slovo on the 20th Anniversary of the commemoration of his passing away.
The congress offered the Party an opportunity to evaluate and assess its performance as a vanguard party; the strides it has made in asserting itself to the working class and the poor.
The congress also gave the party an opportunity to analyze the balance of forces and to look at both tactical and strategic ways to advance, defend and protect the National Democratic Revolution.
As it was held in a year in which we commemorate the death of Slovo we took a queue from his historical document titled: Has Socialism Failed, and reported extensively on this matter covering the deepening Structural Crisis of Capitalism which continues to mark the main developments of the international situation.
These included the following:
The congress unanimously agree with the notion that socialism did not fail, the people failed socialism.
The aftermath of the economic meltdown which began in the United States more than six years ago which is characterized by feeble growth and stagnation, with wide implications.
An offensive led by the United States and its European stooges that is accompanied by a restriction of freedoms and democracy, an attack on national sovereignty and independence, whitewashing the action of fascism whilst embarked on intense campaign of manipulating United Nations and International Law while fostering hotbeds of tensions and destabilisation.
The congress was reminded of, among others, destruction of Yugoslavia, colonization of Palestine by Israel, the occupation of Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya; the aggression against Lebanon and Syria; threats against Iran; operations of interference here in Africa , tensions on the Korean Peninsula, militarization of the Far East where China is considered strategic adversary; years of blockade against Cuba and destabilization of Venezuela; premeditated worsening situation in Ukraine seeking confrontation with Russian Federation.
The developments that are noted as a milestone involving the re-opening of diplomatic relations between United States and Cuba were discussed and deliberated at length. These developments are a result of the relentless struggle by progressive forces internationally to force America to curtail blockade against Cuba - South Africa and the alliance have played a leading role in this regard.
The congress raised serious concerns on the rise of fascism and religious fanatic fundamentalism.
There is also a systematic liquidation of social democracy as an outstanding tool of anti-communism.
In fact parliamentarism is under threat.
At a local front we have observed with dismay the ganging up of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the hooligans of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the National Assembly; the Media`s leading role as an agent of anti-majoritarian liberal offensive determined to undermine democracy and majority rule in South Africa.
There is no doubt that 5th Parliament that has been ushered by last year`s national elections has brought in new dynamism in our parliamentary politics. This has been due, to larger degree by the entrance of the rowdy EFF to parliamentary politics with its wanton street level modus operandi, lumpen tactics and law of the jungle politics.
Their bullying tactics, hurling of insults and their disregard of parliamentary rules at every turn in the quest to dominate politics of opposition has cornered the DA to degenerate to this low level politics lest they are superseded by EFF headlines. EFF is clear.
EFF leaders are naturally lumpens. They thrive through bullying tactics, insults and mobilization of chaos to achieve their aims. This is what they did in the ANCYL. As for Julius Malema, he led COSAS through these means and led ANCYL in Limpopo and later nationally, using these means.
The disruption of President Zuma and Deputy President Ramaphosa - including showing a middle finger, hurling of invectives by EFF MPs every time in sittings, banging of tables are part of the of the DNA of what EFF is all about.
The DA`s hiking of the lift in the EFF bus invites a backlash from its established white conservatives who feel strongly on land issues against EFF`s stance - in fact - many in the DA feel it should represent civilized opposition and not anarchy.
NUMSA`S UNITED FRONT
Another new development worth commenting on is the new initiative to be United Front led by NUMSA leadership clique. The Party had expressed itself extensively in many ways on the behaviour and conduct of NUMSA leadership clique, the main one being an open letter to NUMSA membership.
It has becomes clear now that NUMSA`s top leadership has been captured by the long standing elements within it that had always opposed to the trade union being in alliance with the ANC. This tendency, for years, has always been defeated by the bigger camp that comes from congress movement tradition. COSATU problems and Vavi being a factor to the current paralysis has opened avenues for this tendency within NUMSA to gain traction. The decision to form a united front that will coordinate Socialists across the country for a "Socialist project" is by no surprise.
It is by no surprise because NUMSA started by investing a lot of time in publishing attacks against the Party and using various platforms to project the Party as no more a Party of Kotane but a Communist Party in its slumber that has abandon its historic mission in exchange for government posts (as if Communists only started to serve in Cabinet after 2009 elections). These attacks were a calculated ground-clearing exercise for their planned "Socialist project" through a united front.
Whereas the information is still very sketchy about the form and content of this front but it will highly injudicious for the Communist Party to underestimate this front and therefore rest in our laurels as if we are the least targeted when in fact we are the prime targets. Vigilance is important including doubling of our efforts on the ground from the ideological front, our campaigns that undermines capital and various social wage campaigns such as financial sector and land reform campaigns as they meant to change the social architecture of the working class.
This United front, like WASP and other previously attempted launched Socialist formations will bubble and bust. It will be a political anachronism before we even expect. The elementary reading of its nationally appointed task team is the bunch of aggrieved former leaders and activists in the NGO sector, some very much discredited in the face of the working class; others are all over the place on any attempted socialist project that seek to undermine the Party base. Visibly amongst the first coordinating leadership cohorts of NUMSA project is the Sidikiwe brigade. This seems to have been a wrong start from NUMSA project.
Any Socialist project built on the foundations of discrediting the SACP as a legitimate Party of class in South Africa and seek to oppose it than seeking cooperation will not succeed.
DECLARATIONS OF THE CONGRESS
The Congress reaffirmed the continued relevance for the struggle for and attainment of Socialism both in South Africa and internationally.
The Congress noted the decisive victory by ANC during National and Provincial elections on the 7th of May 2014. The SACP commits itself to work together with the Alliance Partners and Progressive Forces to ensure overwhelming victory for the ANC during Local Government elections in 2016.
The SACP is disturbed by grade 12 result for the Class of 2014 and the state of education in the Province. The SACP wants more effort to be focused on the improvement in the current situation.
The SACP further calls upon the Department of Education to improve its relation with trade unions on the basis of a programme of action going forward. We would also want to meet the Department and SADTU to engage on relevant issues pertaining to the state of education. We further call upon the Provincial government to institute an investigation on the entire fiscal state of the department including overspending. All this is dependent upon the involvement of progressive forces. We congratulate the matriculants who progressed to the next level. We therefore commit ourselves to work with those who did not progress until they succeed.
The Congress noted the disturbing developments by certain elements located in all Alliance Partners. These tendencies need to be uprooted in all our structures. Congress was encouraged by messages of support from the ANC, delivered by ANC chairperson, Cde Senzo Mchunu and gave a commitment to improve working relationships of the alliance.
The Congress further committed itself to improving alliance relations at all levels.
The Congress mandated the incoming PEC to engage challenges facing our federation, COSATU, with a view to strengthen the trade union movement. The Congress noted that 2015 marks 103 years of the ANC`s formation, it further marks the 60th Anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter and marks the 30th Anniversary of COSATU`s formation. The Congress committed itself to building a strong COSATU as well as its affiliates. Unity of COSATU is of paramount importance.
The congress congratulated the YCL in the Province and National a successful re-launching and thank Comrade Buti Manamela his revolutionary leadership he provided in the YCL in his reign.
CONGRESS RESOLUTION
The congress resolves on the following:
To engage the trade unions which and the Department of Education to address instabilities in the handling of Education matters in the Province, this include a demand to investigate activities and conduct of Saints FET in Education particularly exploitation of the plight of the poor.
To congratulate the Ethekwini Council for the release of Manase Report. This was a development of the commitment to expose and fight corruption, however the congress was deeply disturbed by continuing issue of public transport. The congress demanded the full return of running of Ethekwini Transport to the Council, further there should be an extensive forensic investigation or case study on the handling of Ethekwini Transport. The party and COSATU and SANCO should both approach ANC and the Provincial Government on this matter.
The congress applauded the government on its effort to fight corruption. It is the only government in the history of SA that has demonstrated commitment to fight corruption than any other government in the history of the country. However the congress noted the obstacles experienced by the government on fighting corruption being the inheritance of apartheid machinery, the corrupt elements within the alliance and deployed cadres and the use of corruption to disrupt the elected government by imperialist forces. The congress further resolved to call for an alliance summit in the Province on fighting corruption.
The congress resolve to work with religious communities to fight the abuse of religion as a tool of imperialist control of the world. The congress condemned the terrorist`s acts use in the name of religion. The Congress was disturbed by racist treatment shown by the world in the treatment of the terrorists acting like recent events in the Nigeria, France and Palestine. In fact what terrorists did in France is exactly what Israel did in Palestine.
The Congress re-confirm confidence the Zuma lead government and vowed to wage a relentless war against the anti-majoritarian liberal offensive.
It was also a resolve to indigenise the affairs of the party, while respecting cultural diversity in South Africa values and characteristics in our society.
The congress re-elected for the fifth time Comrade Themba Mthembu as the Provincial Secretary, Cde James Nxumalo as the Chairperson, Comrade Nomvuzo Shabalala as the Deputy Chairperson, Comrade Nomarashiya Caluza as the treasurer, Comrade Mathews Ndlovu as 1st Deputy Secretary and Comrade Msizi Nhlapho as 2nd Deputy Secretary and Fifteen PEC Members were also elected, namely, Zet Luzipho, Khaye Nkwanyana, Joe Nene, Mina Lesoma, Thab`sile Lushaba, Thangithini Aryetey, Nosilivere Magadla, Vusi Mahaye, Skhumbuzo Mdlalose, Thokozani Msweli, Bheki Lukakayi, Mbuyiseni Mathonsi, Fortune Bhengu, Edwin Mkhize and Nombali Mchunu.
For more details please contact
The Provincial Secretary
Comrade Themba Mthembu
083 303 6988 / 078 292 3355
The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Moses Mabhida Province held its 7th Provincial Congress from the 5th to the 9th of January 2015 at Esayidi FET College in UMzimkhulu.
The congress was held under the theme: Protect, Defend and Advance the National Democratic Revolution for the Second Phase of Radical Economic Transformation."
The congress was attended by 850 delegates drawn from 329 branches and 21 districts. Also in attendance there were six Members of the Central Committee led by General Secretary Cde Blade Nzimande, Leadership of the YCL in the Province and Nationally, Members of the Party Discussion Forum, Members of the Alliance and our fraternal friends.
The congress was dedicated to the memory of our late General Secretary and later Chairperson Comrade Joe Slovo on the 20th Anniversary of the commemoration of his passing away.
The congress offered the Party an opportunity to evaluate and assess its performance as a vanguard party; the strides it has made in asserting itself to the working class and the poor.
The congress also gave the party an opportunity to analyze the balance of forces and to look at both tactical and strategic ways to advance, defend and protect the National Democratic Revolution.
As it was held in a year in which we commemorate the death of Slovo we took a queue from his historical document titled: Has Socialism Failed, and reported extensively on this matter covering the deepening Structural Crisis of Capitalism which continues to mark the main developments of the international situation.
These included the following:
The congress unanimously agree with the notion that socialism did not fail, the people failed socialism.
The aftermath of the economic meltdown which began in the United States more than six years ago which is characterized by feeble growth and stagnation, with wide implications.
An offensive led by the United States and its European stooges that is accompanied by a restriction of freedoms and democracy, an attack on national sovereignty and independence, whitewashing the action of fascism whilst embarked on intense campaign of manipulating United Nations and International Law while fostering hotbeds of tensions and destabilisation.
The congress was reminded of, among others, destruction of Yugoslavia, colonization of Palestine by Israel, the occupation of Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya; the aggression against Lebanon and Syria; threats against Iran; operations of interference here in Africa , tensions on the Korean Peninsula, militarization of the Far East where China is considered strategic adversary; years of blockade against Cuba and destabilization of Venezuela; premeditated worsening situation in Ukraine seeking confrontation with Russian Federation.
The developments that are noted as a milestone involving the re-opening of diplomatic relations between United States and Cuba were discussed and deliberated at length. These developments are a result of the relentless struggle by progressive forces internationally to force America to curtail blockade against Cuba - South Africa and the alliance have played a leading role in this regard.
The congress raised serious concerns on the rise of fascism and religious fanatic fundamentalism.
There is also a systematic liquidation of social democracy as an outstanding tool of anti-communism.
In fact parliamentarism is under threat.
At a local front we have observed with dismay the ganging up of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the hooligans of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the National Assembly; the Media`s leading role as an agent of anti-majoritarian liberal offensive determined to undermine democracy and majority rule in South Africa.
There is no doubt that 5th Parliament that has been ushered by last year`s national elections has brought in new dynamism in our parliamentary politics. This has been due, to larger degree by the entrance of the rowdy EFF to parliamentary politics with its wanton street level modus operandi, lumpen tactics and law of the jungle politics.
Their bullying tactics, hurling of insults and their disregard of parliamentary rules at every turn in the quest to dominate politics of opposition has cornered the DA to degenerate to this low level politics lest they are superseded by EFF headlines. EFF is clear.
EFF leaders are naturally lumpens. They thrive through bullying tactics, insults and mobilization of chaos to achieve their aims. This is what they did in the ANCYL. As for Julius Malema, he led COSAS through these means and led ANCYL in Limpopo and later nationally, using these means.
The disruption of President Zuma and Deputy President Ramaphosa - including showing a middle finger, hurling of invectives by EFF MPs every time in sittings, banging of tables are part of the of the DNA of what EFF is all about.
The DA`s hiking of the lift in the EFF bus invites a backlash from its established white conservatives who feel strongly on land issues against EFF`s stance - in fact - many in the DA feel it should represent civilized opposition and not anarchy.
NUMSA`S UNITED FRONT
Another new development worth commenting on is the new initiative to be United Front led by NUMSA leadership clique. The Party had expressed itself extensively in many ways on the behaviour and conduct of NUMSA leadership clique, the main one being an open letter to NUMSA membership.
It has becomes clear now that NUMSA`s top leadership has been captured by the long standing elements within it that had always opposed to the trade union being in alliance with the ANC. This tendency, for years, has always been defeated by the bigger camp that comes from congress movement tradition. COSATU problems and Vavi being a factor to the current paralysis has opened avenues for this tendency within NUMSA to gain traction. The decision to form a united front that will coordinate Socialists across the country for a "Socialist project" is by no surprise.
It is by no surprise because NUMSA started by investing a lot of time in publishing attacks against the Party and using various platforms to project the Party as no more a Party of Kotane but a Communist Party in its slumber that has abandon its historic mission in exchange for government posts (as if Communists only started to serve in Cabinet after 2009 elections). These attacks were a calculated ground-clearing exercise for their planned "Socialist project" through a united front.
Whereas the information is still very sketchy about the form and content of this front but it will highly injudicious for the Communist Party to underestimate this front and therefore rest in our laurels as if we are the least targeted when in fact we are the prime targets. Vigilance is important including doubling of our efforts on the ground from the ideological front, our campaigns that undermines capital and various social wage campaigns such as financial sector and land reform campaigns as they meant to change the social architecture of the working class.
This United front, like WASP and other previously attempted launched Socialist formations will bubble and bust. It will be a political anachronism before we even expect. The elementary reading of its nationally appointed task team is the bunch of aggrieved former leaders and activists in the NGO sector, some very much discredited in the face of the working class; others are all over the place on any attempted socialist project that seek to undermine the Party base. Visibly amongst the first coordinating leadership cohorts of NUMSA project is the Sidikiwe brigade. This seems to have been a wrong start from NUMSA project.
Any Socialist project built on the foundations of discrediting the SACP as a legitimate Party of class in South Africa and seek to oppose it than seeking cooperation will not succeed.
DECLARATIONS OF THE CONGRESS
The Congress reaffirmed the continued relevance for the struggle for and attainment of Socialism both in South Africa and internationally.
The Congress noted the decisive victory by ANC during National and Provincial elections on the 7th of May 2014. The SACP commits itself to work together with the Alliance Partners and Progressive Forces to ensure overwhelming victory for the ANC during Local Government elections in 2016.
The SACP is disturbed by grade 12 result for the Class of 2014 and the state of education in the Province. The SACP wants more effort to be focused on the improvement in the current situation.
The SACP further calls upon the Department of Education to improve its relation with trade unions on the basis of a programme of action going forward. We would also want to meet the Department and SADTU to engage on relevant issues pertaining to the state of education. We further call upon the Provincial government to institute an investigation on the entire fiscal state of the department including overspending. All this is dependent upon the involvement of progressive forces. We congratulate the matriculants who progressed to the next level. We therefore commit ourselves to work with those who did not progress until they succeed.
The Congress noted the disturbing developments by certain elements located in all Alliance Partners. These tendencies need to be uprooted in all our structures. Congress was encouraged by messages of support from the ANC, delivered by ANC chairperson, Cde Senzo Mchunu and gave a commitment to improve working relationships of the alliance.
The Congress further committed itself to improving alliance relations at all levels.
The Congress mandated the incoming PEC to engage challenges facing our federation, COSATU, with a view to strengthen the trade union movement. The Congress noted that 2015 marks 103 years of the ANC`s formation, it further marks the 60th Anniversary of the adoption of the Freedom Charter and marks the 30th Anniversary of COSATU`s formation. The Congress committed itself to building a strong COSATU as well as its affiliates. Unity of COSATU is of paramount importance.
The congress congratulated the YCL in the Province and National a successful re-launching and thank Comrade Buti Manamela his revolutionary leadership he provided in the YCL in his reign.
CONGRESS RESOLUTION
The congress resolves on the following:
To engage the trade unions which and the Department of Education to address instabilities in the handling of Education matters in the Province, this include a demand to investigate activities and conduct of Saints FET in Education particularly exploitation of the plight of the poor.
To congratulate the Ethekwini Council for the release of Manase Report. This was a development of the commitment to expose and fight corruption, however the congress was deeply disturbed by continuing issue of public transport. The congress demanded the full return of running of Ethekwini Transport to the Council, further there should be an extensive forensic investigation or case study on the handling of Ethekwini Transport. The party and COSATU and SANCO should both approach ANC and the Provincial Government on this matter.
The congress applauded the government on its effort to fight corruption. It is the only government in the history of SA that has demonstrated commitment to fight corruption than any other government in the history of the country. However the congress noted the obstacles experienced by the government on fighting corruption being the inheritance of apartheid machinery, the corrupt elements within the alliance and deployed cadres and the use of corruption to disrupt the elected government by imperialist forces. The congress further resolved to call for an alliance summit in the Province on fighting corruption.
The congress resolve to work with religious communities to fight the abuse of religion as a tool of imperialist control of the world. The congress condemned the terrorist`s acts use in the name of religion. The Congress was disturbed by racist treatment shown by the world in the treatment of the terrorists acting like recent events in the Nigeria, France and Palestine. In fact what terrorists did in France is exactly what Israel did in Palestine.
The Congress re-confirm confidence the Zuma lead government and vowed to wage a relentless war against the anti-majoritarian liberal offensive.
It was also a resolve to indigenise the affairs of the party, while respecting cultural diversity in South Africa values and characteristics in our society.
The congress re-elected for the fifth time Comrade Themba Mthembu as the Provincial Secretary, Cde James Nxumalo as the Chairperson, Comrade Nomvuzo Shabalala as the Deputy Chairperson, Comrade Nomarashiya Caluza as the treasurer, Comrade Mathews Ndlovu as 1st Deputy Secretary and Comrade Msizi Nhlapho as 2nd Deputy Secretary and Fifteen PEC Members were also elected, namely, Zet Luzipho, Khaye Nkwanyana, Joe Nene, Mina Lesoma, Thab`sile Lushaba, Thangithini Aryetey, Nosilivere Magadla, Vusi Mahaye, Skhumbuzo Mdlalose, Thokozani Msweli, Bheki Lukakayi, Mbuyiseni Mathonsi, Fortune Bhengu, Edwin Mkhize and Nombali Mchunu.
For more details please contact
The Provincial Secretary
Comrade Themba Mthembu
083 303 6988 / 078 292 3355
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