Criticism and Self-Criticism: The Internal Struggle for Communism

South Africa: Reaching out to the working class with Red Flag

SOUTH AFRICA — “We just concluded one of the most productive meetings we’ve had,” Comrade Lwazi explained. “We had to struggle sharply with each other to address a lack of commitment, especially with comrades who are leaders.

“First we talked about writing for Red Flag. A comrade explained that when we make a commitment to write something, the editorial collective leaves space for it. So, if the articles don’t come, that space has to be filled, usually quickly. That makes it harder for them to put out the paper.

“We reminded ourselves of what is expected as members and leaders of the collective. When comrades, especially leaders, promise to do something, they should do it.

“We are not leaders because of how many years we’ve spent in the organization, but based on our commitment. That has to show in our practice. Practice is primary.

“Our level of commitment is not on par with the goals we have set for ourselves. I think we have regressed. The meeting was trying to get us on track for meeting our goals, including for May Day, to remind all of us why we decided to make this commitment.”

Building Communist Relationships

Comrade Simulko added, “When we go to mobilize, we make contacts, but we haven’t followed up on them consistently to make those contacts members of the party. I blame myself. I also made some commitments that I didn’t follow up on.

“I have to give more time to the party. We are also lacking on the side of communist relations. If we lack on that side within the existing members, it becomes difficult to recruit and establish those communist relationships with other members that we’ve just contacted.”

“Another issue,” said Comrade Kuhle, “is that we always struggle with each other about where we want to be at different times and how we will get there. Today we looked at what we planned and how we’re doing. We identified the weaknesses that prevent us from moving forward with our short-term and long-term goals.

“Sometimes we don’t clearly define what Communist relations should be like. We know what kind of society we want in the future but now the Communist relationships that we have are not clearly elaborated. Sometimes it’s easy for comrades here to find an excuse not to follow through on their commitments to do the Party work.

“I’m a student. It’s easy for me to find an excuse to say that I’m busy with my studies. But being busy with capitalist education doesn’t necessarily help our movement. Sometimes, we plan to go to a rally, a meeting, follow up on a contact, but its easy to say you can’t because of school. This opened my eyes. This is our life-long struggle. When we make commitments, we should follow through on them.”

Comrade Themba explained, “We are together now to criticize and help each other build the Party. We are living in capitalist society and we tend to get sucked in sometimes. For some, it’s hard to stand boldly and talk about Communism.

“I am to blame for not being available enough. I have to make time to struggle with the other comrades. The meeting today helped us be more committed to the revolutionary struggle. When things happen in other countries, we can’t ignore them.”

Other comrades were in the meeting, including one comrade who we are struggling with to join.

Comrade Lwazi said, “We have developed some liberal tendencies. If I see something that is anti-communist within my comrade, for the sake of unity I don’t raise the issue. But that should not be the case. Whenever wrong ideas arise, from any member, I must be able to call that comrade to account, whether he is my friend or not.

“The struggle should be primary. We can’t ignore things that are holding back the development of the organization for the sake of unity.

“Today we were sharp. Fighting these liberal tendencies was good. It is only the internal struggle for communism that can drive the movement forward. External factors cannot determine the nature of the party. Only internal struggle will determine the direction of the party, where it’s going.”

“Also,” said Comrade Kuhle, “we’ve been talking about sexism. We need to recruit and develop more women members—and to be an example to others to do that. We don’t have many female members here. This is an important issue.

“We have been missing meetings. I have had to work when we have had meetings. Comrade Simulko is here today. It’s the first time in quite a while that he has been with us. It makes a big difference when we are all meeting together.”

The comrades at the meeting made plans to correct these errors as they organize for May Day and beyond.

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