Zuma congratulates SACP
2011-07-31 07:59
Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma on Saturday evening congratulated the SA Communist Party (SACP) on its 90th birthday at the party's celebration gala dinner in Durban.
"On behalf of the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) and its membership, we congratulate the SACP on reaching this milestone," Zuma said at dinner held the Sibaya Casino in Durban.
In his statement Zuma said it was an important day in South African history because very few organisations survived this long, having operated under "extremely difficult repressive conditions".
"[This anniversary] is a reminder of the successful and heroic struggles of our people for freedom, justice and human dignity."
It brought together the ANC, SACP and the Congress of SA Trade Union's (Cosatu), to reflect on how far they have come in liberating South Africa and its people, Zuma said.
Selfless sacrifices
He also said what was remarkable about the SACP was that from the beginning it produced "outstanding and courageous leaders" who were always in the front line of struggle.
"We are inspired by the selfless sacrifices, commitment and dedication of leaders such as Albert Nzula, JB Marks, Ray Alexander, Ruth First, Josie Mpama, Jack Simmons, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, Govan Mbeki, Harry Gwala, Joe Slovo, Chris Hani and others."
He said both the SACP and the ANC could lay an equal claim to the leaders of their calibre.
"This anniversary therefore is a celebration of the calibre of leaders our struggle has produced."
Zuma said the SACP should play an important role in assisting the ANC to analyse current conditions on the African continent "as well as in the entire world scientifically" to aid in interpreting domestic and global developments.
"Happy 90th anniversary to the vanguard of the working class!" Zuma said in closing.
- SAPA
