16 May 2002
The South African Communist Party (SACP) salutes Comrade Walter Sisulu as he will celebrate his 90th Birthday on 18 May 2002. The SACP highly regards Comrade Sisulu as a patriot, a son of the soil, a hero and leader of our people, a veteran and giant of our movement. His character, role, vision, commitment, sacrifice and dedication to our people stands out as a shining example of the ongoing need for quality cadres, activists and leaders of our movement and people. Comrade Walter also symbolises the broad multi-class unity and character of our revolutionary alliance. He distinguished himself as a promoter and defender of the revolutionary alliance between the national liberation movement, the communist party and the trade union movement.
He did not hesitate to struggle for decades against the national oppression. He sacrificed the prime of his life, risking death and was incarcerated in Robben Island for 25 years. This is the kind of dedication and sacrifice we need today in order to build a better life for all our people. In Comrade Walter we also celebrate the vision of non-racialism, non-sexism and internationalism which draws deeply from the experiences and traditions of our people's struggle.
His 90th birthday is even more significant and special given that the ANC is also celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year.
It was for all these reasons that the 9th National Congress of the SACP held in 1995 unanimously made Comrade Walter Sisulu the first recipient of the Chris Hani Peace Award.
The democratic South Africa we are building is the best birthday present Comrade Walter can wish for.
Happy Birthday Comrade Walter Sisulu
CONTACT
Mazibuko K. Jara (surname Jara)
Department of Media, Information and Publicity
South African Communist Party
Tel - 011 339 3621
Fax - 011 339 4244
Cell - 083 651 0271
Email - sacp1@wn.apc.org