EMALAHLENI – The South African Communist Party (SACP) has put forth the perspective that society cannot rely on the capitalist class to address the crises of poverty, inequality, and unemployment “they have generated”.
“The working class must take charge of its destiny,” stated party general secretary, Solly Mapaila.
Mapaila was speaking at the party’s Red October campaign held in eMalahleni on Sunday, October 6, 2024, under the themeTackle the cost-of-living crisis. Implement the National Health Insurance Now!.
The campaign, which has become a cornerstone of the working-class struggle in South Africa, focuses on advancing the national democratic revolution and fighting for the rights of workers and the poor. It is also taking forward the SACP’s critical stance against neoliberalism, seeks to intensify the call for a just and socialist society.
In recent years, gender-based violence (GBVF) and femicide have escalated into a national crisis, with South Africa witnessing over 1,000 femicide cases annually.
According to the recent Statistics SA data released for the second quarter of 2024, about 9,600 rape cases, along with 17,000 cases of assault against women were recorded.
This stark reality has become a focal point of the Red October Campaign. “We cannot continue to live in a society where the lives of women and children are threatened daily,” stated Mapaila, urging for the development of stronger laws and a national strategy to tackle GBV head-on.
Mapaila added that the SACP is pushing for urgent measures to reduce inequality, poverty and unemployment while advocating for the swift implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI) to ensure quality healthcare for all.
The campaign also draws attention to another alarming statistic: according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 13,774 suicides were reported in South Africa in 2019.
This grim figure further highlights the devastating impact of mental health crises and socio-economic pressures in the country.
“The SACP believes that addressing the root causes of unemployment, inequality, and poor mental health resources will significantly reduce these tragic outcomes,” Mapaila further said. The party continues to stress the importance of unity among the working class to fight capitalist exploitation and imperialism
