22 September 2024
We, as delegates to the SACP 7th Brian Bunting District (Cape Metro) held in Khayelitsha Training Centre, from 21 - 22 September 2024, emerged determined in our collective resolve to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and put an end to extortion. We adopted this as our guiding theme derived from our 103rd national anniversary celebrations and inspired by our own local political and socio-economic issues in the metro.
As delegates representing vibrant branches from across working class communities in the Metro, we appreciate the dynamic interface with the provincial delegation and the militant Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA). As our praxis dictates, we received fraternal messages of solidarity from the South African National Civics Organisation, African National Congress and the YCLSA.
The delegates were revived by an inspiring keynote address by Provincial Chairperson, Cde Anthony Diedrich and a political input from the Provincial Secretary, Cde Benson Ngqentsu. We engaged in the vanguard role of the party in the Cape Metro, interacting with the party perspectives on geo-strategic matters, international balance of forces and the wrath of capitalism against the workers and the poor, particularly in so far as they impact the district.
Elections Outcome: a blow to the working class and GNU a rightward shift
Our assessment of the outcomes of the national general elections, the formation of the GNU, which the Party described as a government of neo-liberal unity represents a rightward shift in our polity. Delegates implored the SACP to continue to utilise its Marxist-Leninist theory to fight frontally the GNU machinations and instead create conditions for a drive towards a socialist oriented National Democratic Revolution, our direct route to socialism. Delegates remain resolute on the strategic necessity of the reconfiguration of the Revolutionary Alliance in light of the current alliance political trajectory posed by the GNU. We reaffirmed the position taken by the Central Committee on GNU, that the decision to be in the GNU that includes the DA and Freedom Front Plus is a sell-out position in the context of our strategic objectives as a movement.
We observe with grave concern a concerted effort by some wedge-drivers within and outside the leading ranks of the Party a tendency of undermining SACP positions. We regard this as a cynical ploy to isolate our General Secretary by those who want to ingratiate themselves for purposes of deployment. We vow to confront and combat this tendency because we will not allow any form of liquidation of the Party.
Rolling back neo-liberalism on the ground
In taking forward the 15th national congress resolution and consistent with the decision of the Augmented Central Committee of 2023, as delegates to the Brian Bunting 7th District Congress we reaffirm that we stand ready to contest the 2026 local government elections independently. To this end, the congress mandated the 7th District Executive Committee to develop a programme and establish election structures across the district, in preparation for 2026 local government elections. We will do this in order to tilt the balance of power for the hegemony of the motive forces of the NDR.
Congress reaffirmed its position that our vanguardism as the party is not merely a title, but is informed by the role the party plays in advancing the interests of the working class and the poor. This role must find expression in the daily struggles of our people, in communities, workplaces, in the MDM structures and in all key sites and terrains of struggle.
Delegates reaffirmed the centrality of entrenching vibrant and ideologically strong SACP and YCL structures within the communities programmatically and through popular campaigns. This is particularly paramount in the Cape Metro in order to push back the neo-liberal, anti-poor and racist policies of the DA led government and its tendencies generally in the society. We further commit to confront the DA’s greed and corruption in the City of Cape Town especially in aspects that directly negatively affect the poor and the working class. For example, the corruption perpetuated in the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Waste Management.
We note that the City of Cape accounts for 72 per cent of the GDP of the Western Cape and reaffirm the need to change the current economic patterns as it benefits the rich minority and the poor majority of the city remains marginalised. We further note that the economic growth of the City of Cape Town remains stable, yet the rate of unemployment remains unchanged. This contributes immensely towards high cost-of-living which we describe as a crisis.
People centred campaigns
We remain steadfast in our commitment to campaign for the quality of services rendered to the citizens of the City of Cape Town by local clinics and agitate for implementation of NHI without any further delays. For the sake of our people the South African Social Security Agency must have adequate service centres; Home Affairs offices must be expanded; and the Department of Labour must provide more labour centres and improve its operations. Our people have to spend hours in long queues with no hope of getting services, and the working class is the one that is dependent on government services. Delegates resolved to intensify campaigns for dignified and efficient social services, which includes access to social grants, IDs, Birth certificates, UIF, basic income grant and quality healthcare. These public services have been severely affected by austerity measures.
Triple H campaign – Human settlements (water and sanitation), Health and Hunger!
The City of Cape Town has failed dismally to address the dilapidated bulk infrastructure in working class townships. Delegates condemned the City of Cape Town for lacking the political will to improve the living conditions in working class townships. Our people live in conditions of squalor, with spilling sewage, potholes, water cuts, overcrowding and poor sanitation. The City of Cape Town continues to exploit residence by charging rate payers exorbitant taxes for water and rates while all our dams are at 110 per cent full.
Fight against crime and corruption!
Delegates reaffirm to deepen its campaign against crime, corruption, including against the criminal network that has captured our police, and torturing our communities through extortions and random killings.
We note that criminals have taken ownership of our communities, where people have to pay a fee to ensure the safety of their houses, cars, businesses and family members. The Congress noted the discriminatory and racist allocation of the city metro police in favour of the rich against the poor and marginalized communities. We will embark on mass mobilisation to reclaim our streets and our communities.
On the scourge of corruption in the City we implore the President of the country to urgently sign a proclamation for the SIU to investigate the City of Cape Town. We further call upon the state security agency to conduct a lifestyle audit of all leaders in the City of Cape Town.
We note with concern the killing of a co-accused in the case involving the corrupt DA MMC for Human Settlement, Mr Malusi Booi. This exposes the gravity of the extortion crisis in the DA led City of Cape Town. We call on the justice cluster to protect those the accused and ensure a successful conviction. In our view the Mayor in the City of Cape Town must fall on his sword for the maladministration and corruption that has been taking place under his watch through the Department of Human Settlement and the Department of Urban Waste Management. We further note with disapproval the continued exploitation of the youth through the unfair dismissal of LEAP officers and making a call on the municipality to stop it.
Gender-based violence!
Congress condemned the escalating incidents of gender based violence in our society. Delegates reaffirm their commitment to fight against all forms of abuse perpetrated against women, these include tendencies of patriarchy, masculinity, narrow and backward male chauvinism.
The congress unanimously elected the District Executive Committee and the newly elected leadership is as follows:
Officials
1. District Secretary – Monde Nqulwana
2. District Chairperson – Nkosiphendule Lombi
3. District Treasurer – Nontombi Ncediwe
4. Deputy Secretary – Disang Mocumi
5. Deputy Chairperson – Exlira Giose
Executive Committee
1. Bobo Masixole
2. Mqotho Bahle
3. Mabatho Komeka
4. Lindile Sonyoka
5. Futshane Yandiswa
6. Kortze Jahn
7. Davids Lucian
8. Kohli Nozuko
9. Sixishe Lusindiso
10 Mkholisi Mpukumpa
11. Kholeka Rakoata
Issued by:
South African Communist Party (Western Cape)
For enquiries:
Monde Nqulwana - District Secretary
063 336 3792
Lizwi Gegula - Provincial Spokesperson
078 827 2274
