This October marks the 50th Anniversary of the launch of the African Communist, the official journals of the SACP. When it was launched, it cover proclaimed “This magazine, the African Communist, has been started by a group of Marxist-Leninists in Africa, to defend and spread the inspiring and liberating ideas of Communism in our great Continent, and to apply the brilliant scientific method of Marxism to the solution of its problems. It is being produced in conditions of great difficulty and danger. Nevertheless we mean to go on publishing it, because we know that Africa needs Communist thought, as dry and thirsty soil needs rain.”

 

To commemorate this historic milestone in the battle of ideas in society, the SACP has organised a commemorative seminar under the theme “50 WRITING AND FIGHTING YEARS”, to interact with the journey that the African Communist has undertook in the past fifty years, its influence and impact in the liberation movement and contemporary challenges faced by the African Communist and progressive media in general.

The General Secretary of the SACP will deliver a keynote address followed by the the General Secretary of COSATU, Cde Zwelinzima Vavi who will speak on the role that the African Communist has played in the trade union movement.

Furthermore the seminar will be addressed by amongst others the following:

1.    Comrade Joe Matthews, a former Central Committee and Politburo member of the SACP who served in the editorial board of the African Communist, who will look at the launching period of the African Communist.

2.    Comrade Ronnie Kasrils, a veteran of the SACP and former Central Committee and Politburo member who will relieve the African Communist’s clandestine years.

3.    Comrade Essop Pahad who also served on the Central Committee and the Politburo will also address the seminar on AC's consistent support for a united continent, and unwavering commitment to the Soviet Union.

4.    Comrade Joel Netshitenzhe will speak about how a generation of the 70’s interacted with the African Communist.

5.    Comrade Jeremy Cronin, the SACP Deputy General Secretary, will relook at the years after the unbanning and the relaunch of the African Communist on South African soil.

6.    Professor Ari Sitas of UCT will speak on the SACP and alternative media in South Africa.

7.    The YCL National Secretary of the YCL, Cde Buti Manamela will talk on the influence the African Communist has had on the youth.

8.    The Editor of the AC, Politburo member and Central Committee member, Cde Yunus Carrim will speak on the current challenges facing the SACP internal media platforms.

9.    Cde David Niddrie, an independent media practitioner will speak on the prospects for alternative media in South Africa.

 

The seminar will be held at the Parktonian Hotel, Braamfontein, form 09H00 – 16H00, on the 26 October 2009.

 

Issued by the SACP.

 

Contact:

 

Malesela Maleka

SACP Spokesperson – 082 226 1802