SOUTH AFRICA—We are communists and party members who live and mobilize for communism, for communist revolution to overthrow capitalism inside the capitalist society itself. We mobilize the workers and the rest of the masses. Some of them believe the capitalists’ ideas are correct ideas because they have lived all their lives under capitalism. Some advocate for capitalist reform because they have not yet been won to communism. Some have never heard about communism, some have heard only the anti-communist propaganda by the capitalists media. They even believe the lie that capitalism is the natural system of humans— that there is no alternative.
We mobilize in mass strikes and gatherings, at work, schools, church and social events. Often where we mobilize they are not really open to communist ideas (not the workers but those that control the schools, workplace, churches etc.) especially if you’re calling for the overthrow of capitalism.
This was true in an event I attended (the workshop by the NGO “Rising against crime & inequality”). They were hostile to the communist solutions. I often restricted myself from explicitly expressing our ideas, because they fear the masses and students having communist ideas. They target or labeled those that are against the system as anti-government (which I am! I can not be pro-poverty, pro-injustice, pro- suffering by the rest of the masses while few benefit at their expense).
Only through one-on-one discussions with fellow students and youth I was able to talk about our communist solutions without being prevented. As result, three students from different parts of the province were interested in the Party and agree that the system of destruction needs to be destroyed. This is one challenge (of our collective): to get the new comrades to actively participate and commit, not just to passively agree, but to actively participate in party activities and organizing.
These workshops are reformist in their approach, like other strikes we participate and mobilize in (which is wrong. We know capitalism can never be reformed and reform prevents the working class from full emancipation). At the same time they provide an opportunity to reach many young people and workers who are disgruntled by some of the ills of capitalism.
Question:
How do we then participate in such events without contradicting ourselves as revolutionaries? We say we want a communist society where the way produce and distribute will completely be different from the capitalist one that is based on exploitation. Even the way our lives are arranged will be different. It will be based on cooperation and collective effort. How do we then live in the immediate time or present future, forging and practicing practices that are in line with our communist principles? Because the communist ideas must be practiced and enhanced, but how do we do that and find solidarity with masses without falling for the reformist trap?
An Inspiring Event
On 18 November the youth collective hosted an event (Celebrating the 100th year anniversary of the Russian Revolution). Our ICWP discussion, in which about 30 people participated, was a very successful and inspiring event. All the comrades showed leadership and every one participated. Each comrade contributed according to their commitment. I had a very good experience and it is always exciting to see young people are open to our communist ideas.
Three comrades who were part of the event are members of the Black Empowerment Movement. We discussed the differences between the political line of the International Communist Workers’ Party and other political parties (Lefties). They were convinced we are fighting the same enemy: exploitation, discrimination, wage slavery and homelessness. We spent all day talking about the evils of capitalism and how to end them.
“We don’t need the bosses”! I still recall those words coming from an angry young comrade who was fed up of this racist system. This comrade was so keen to know how exactly ICWP is planning to overthrow this evil system. We told him we advocate for change through revolution and we must fight directly for communism, not socialism. History has taught us how to struggle for communism.
It is important to keep mobilizing and carry our message to the masses no matter how long it takes, that is the ultimate goal. From this experience I have drawn many political lessons and it is clear we are going forward as a youth collective in the Republic of South Africa.
We need to expand these discussions amongst our friends so we can grow as a party. Keep up the good work Comrades!
—A comrade in South Africa
