IOL
*SACP has proud history: Nzimande* *SAPA, IOL, Johannesburg, 31 July 2012*Johannesburg - The SA Communist Party took pride in its role in South Africa's political history as it celebrated its 91st birthday on Tuesday.
"We were proud to be part of liberating the country," said secretary-general Blade Nzimande.
SACP had been an educator, said Nzimande."This was the first communist party on the African continent and was one of the first non-racial parties."
He was speaking at the party's cake-cutting ceremony in Johannesburg. The SACP was not only an educator in politics but on many other issues."Look at trade unionism. We formed uMkhonto we Sizwe jointly," said Nzimande. "We were the first ones to say, watch the financial sector carefully."
He said the SACP could not celebrate 91 years without celebrating the ANC's centenary.
"We have been in the trenches with the ANC for most of our existence. We are unapologetic about this," Nzimande said.
The ANC and Cosatu joined the SACP for the cake-cutting ceremony.Congress of SA Trade Unions' president Sdumo Dlamini said the party was tasked with leading South Africa into a socialist state.
"The SACP is able... It's taking us forward," Dlamini said."We as Cosatu trust the Party... there is no nobody in Cosatu who does not trust the SACP."
Dlamini said Cosatu would continue to work with the SACP.ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe also gave the SACP a message of support from the ruling party.
"Some of the most dedicated cadres of the ANC were communists," Mantashe said.
"It is the party of people like... Moses Mabhida, Chris Hani and Ruth First." Mantashe wished the SACP a very happy birthday.
The SACP will hold a rally to commemorate its anniversary on August 5 at the Johannesburg City Hall. -- Sapa
*From: http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/sacp-has-proud-history-nzimande-1.1353267#.UBgdaGE_-24
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