The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) salutes its vanguard Alliance partner, the South African Communist Party on its 104th anniversary.
Over the years, the SACP has remained resolute in the emancipation of the working class and the poor, resisting racist domination. Its founding principles of socialism have been carried by the party throughout the years together with the National Democratic Revolution, withstanding capitalism, without fear or favor in all corners of society, including in government, condemning corruption and neo-liberal policies that suffocate the working class and further oppress the poor.
The National Democratic Revolution is clear it its resolution of achieving full political, social equality, addressing disparities in the distribution of wealth and resources and strengthening the economy for broader access to opportunities. Whilst the country has made significant strides in correcting the legacy of apartheid, South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies in the world. The levels of unemployment are a disappointing reminder of existing inequalities that the NDR seeks to address.
COSATU applauds the SACP for its unwavering commitment to the NDR, resilience in the struggle for transformation and development. Recently it launched the People’s Red Caravan, a demonstration of the party’s resonance with daily social battles at grassroot level. This development project requires Central Committee members and other leaders of the party to abandon their own homes, live and work alongside local residents for a full week. The aim is to experience firsthand the impact of poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and violence. This should serve as an example to the Alliance of the Party’s allegiance to the struggle.
One of the resolutions of the party’s Special National Congress held in 2024 was unapologetic about the struggle for decent work, rights of workers to collective bargaining to achieve better incomes for all workers. The SACP declared it would jealously defend these struggles and link them to the battle against neo-colonialism and neo-liberalism.
COSATU looks forward to another 104 years of the Vanguard of workers and beyond.
Viva SACP, Viva!
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 or 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za
