Ramaphosa pays tribute to Joe Slovo amid tensions in the alliance

President Cyril Ramaphosa has celebrated the legacy of former SACP national chairperson and Struggle stalwart, Joe Slovo, describing him as someone who understood the principles of equality, dignity, and human rights.

Despite simmering tensions, on Tuesday, Ramaphosa joined SACP leaders and other Tripartite Alliance leaders in honouring Slovo, during the SACP's 31st anniversary of Slovo's passing.

Ramaphosa reflected on Slovo's enduring legacy during the 31st anniversary of his passing on January 6, 1995.

Slovo, remembered as a principled leader and a brilliant communist intellectual, faced a long battle with bone marrow cancer before his death.

He served as the long-time national chairperson of the SACP and is lauded for his significant contributions to the political landscape of South Africa, particularly in shaping the discourse around national reconciliation in the aftermath of apartheid.

This year, the SACP conducted the usual commemorative event at Avalon Cemetery in Soweto, where Slovo is interred, honouring his memory as they have done every year since his death.

However, this year's remembrance was marked by underlying tensions between the ANC and SACP members, prompting intervention from SACP leader Thulas Nxesi to maintain the decorum expected at such a solemn occasion.

Speaking ahead of a keynote address set to be delivered by SACP Secretary General, Solly Mapaila, Ramaphosa gave his own account of what Slovo stood for.

"Comrade Joe Slovo understood that equality necessarily meant that all people everywhere deserved equal rights and equal treatment. He was an internationalist who fought not only for the liberation of the people of South Africa, but for the people of our continent and for people across the world. It is this principle that continues to guide our international outlook," he stated.

Ramaphosa's presence served to allay any fears of rising tensions between the ANC and its alliance partner, with the ANC leader calling for the unity of the alliance following recent strained relationships between the two allies.

At the centre of the current tensions is the recent decision by the SACP to contest the upcoming local government elections independently from the ANC, with the ANC having retaliated by barring SACP leaders from having dual membership while also barring SACP leaders from attending ANC election-related meetings.

"We must ensure that the alliance becomes an ever more effective instrument of fundamental social and economic change. Despite the disagreements of the present, our common objective remains the same: the achievement of a National Democratic Society. It is our responsibility as leaders and members of all alliance formations to work together in pursuit of that common objective. As we do so, we must draw on the strategic insight, integrity, political honesty, commitment, and deep humanity of Cde Joe Slovo," he added.

Ramaphosa also reflected on the privilege brought on by the presence of the ANC to the commemorative gathering, which comes just days before he is set to deliver his January 8 Statement address in Rustenburg on Saturday.

"We are honoured to deliver this message on behalf of the ANC, as we gather to commemorate the revolutionary life of Isithwalandwe, Joe Slovo... This year, our country will mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of our democratic Constitution, and the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the People's Army, uMkhonto weSizwe," he added.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za