28 November 2001
The SACP is saddened by the sudden death of the ailing Joe Modise, the former Commander of the people's army Umkhonto We Sizwe and the first Minister of defence in a democratic South Africa.
On behalf of the entire membership of the SACP and the working class in general we lower our burner in his memory. Comrade Joe was a remarkable leader and a gallant patriot of our country. It is through his leadership of the people's army that we saw a well organised and disciplined military propaganda war located within the masses of our people that we saw the ultimate downfall of the apartheid white supremacist regime.
We will remember his indelible legacy of patriotism and the dedicated service to his people. We call upon all South Africans to unite and emulate his legacy of patriotism and help to create a better life for all our people.
He will be remembered as the leader who led his forces and people by example. He personally participated in some of MK's most daring encounters with the enemy forces of Ian Smith the then colonial leader of Rhodesia. He further contributed immensely to ushering in of the new South African National Defence Force in the democratic dispensation as a minister.
We send out heartfelt condolences to his family and the liberation movement as a whole.
For further information please contact
SACP Media Officer
Mazibuko Kanyiso Jara (Surname Jara)
sacp1@wn.apc.org
Tel: 083 651 0271