SACP still committed to serve working class

THE South African Communist Party (SACP) has vowed to intensify the fight against ’emerging capitalists’ and to continue championing the cause of the working class and the poor.

Addressing the third Riot Makomanisi Mkhwanazi District congress held last week at Umfolozi TVET College, Provincial Secretary Themba Mthembu said after watching the current political dynamics in the country, they saw the need to ‘place emphasis on maintaining the communist character’.

‘As the Communist Party our focus is on defending of the working class and the poor, because presently the working classes internationally are getting weaker,’ Mthembu said.

Regarding the eagerly awaited ANC’s 54th elective conference, Mthembu said his party little doubt that the once glorious movement will not be able to correct itself.

He stressed that the Communist Party has taken a resolution to contest future elections.

Asked if they would support Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mthembu said they will support any candidate who is biased towards the working class.

‘To us the names do not matter at this stage. What matters is that we would be happy to have a President who is no stranger to the working class.

‘Judging from what is happening in the lead-up to this conference, the picture looks bleak.

‘We have seen the continued gate-keeping at branches’ general meetings – the spilling of blood at the recent provincial conference in the Eastern Cape and a number of court cases which are pending in different provinces.’

The two-day district congress also saw the election of the new executive leadership: Xolani Zulu (Chairperson), Trudy Guma (Deputy Chairperson), Thulani Magagula (Treasurer), David Chonco (Secretary and Jabulani Zulu (Deputy Secretary),. Additional members are Obed Sithole, Nozipho Buthelezi, Mbali Ntshangase, Xolile Mathenjwa, Sne Ntuli, Sihle Bhengu, Muzi Zakwe, Jeff Dladla, Sphephelo Khanyile, Siyanda Zungu, Themba Makhathini, Dumisani Makhathini, Mzwandile Zulu, Velenkosini Shandu and Nkosingokwakhe Shandu.