YCLSA Press Statement April 10, 2013
YCLSA statement on the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Chris Hani As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the assassination of the late General Secretary South African Communist Party (SACP), National Executive Committee member of the African National Congress (ANC) and Umkhonto Wesizwe Chief of Staff, Cde Chris Thembisile Hani, the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) will undertake a frank assessment of some of the most pressing South African issues that our beloved hero fought for. By understanding the contradictions of post -1994 South Africa and the world subsequent to the fall of the USSR, the YCL can develop a level of cadreship among its members who strive to emulate Hani. Lack of service delivery Despite loving literature and always carrying a poetry tome in his knapsack, Comrade Chris insisted that communism should not be theoretical debates. The principles of communism must translate into basic services for all. While the state has succeeded in providing roads, sanitation, houses, running water and electricity, much still needs to be achieved. The YCL will continue to call for a competent state which contracts to local people, instead of the tender system which is infamous for wasteful expenditure Education Free basic education with no-fees schools have been provided across South Africa. The pass rate has increased for matric students and the number of students able to access NSFAS loans has significantly increased. Two new universities are being built in Mpumalanga and Northern Cape, provinces that previously had no universities. Efforts are being made to streamline post-school opportunities with FET colleges. However, there remains a long way to go for our education system to be the model our children deserve. Communities, teachers and parents increase their focus on the education of the youth and see this as the primary effort of communities and families. Youth Unemployment While youth unemployment remains high, the YCL together with other forces of the left successfully opposed the Youth Wage Subsidy which was a scheme to further enrich capital. A job seeker’s grant which puts the money in the hands of the youth, rather than corporations, will be provided. We have high expectations for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA, to which our national chairperson, cde Yershen Pillay has been appointed as Chairperson. We are certain that with the change in leadership, in the NYDA, Chris Hani’s example will be emulated and the agency will become a pivotal catalyst in young people’s lives Internationalism Cde Chris believed strongly in the principles of internationalism and shared struggles worldwide. With the tremendous foresight of the role South Africa would play in fighting for human rights worldwide, our leader named an ANC branch in Orange Farm, Gauteng; ANC Greater Palestine Central. The YCL has undertaken several campaigns in solidarity with Palestinians who live under Israeli apartheid and US imperialism. We have combated the death of our beloved leader cde Hugo Chavez and will continue political education about his legacy. We remain steadfast in calling for the release of the Cuban Five and have close ties with global progressive movements Parole for Clive Derby-Lewis Finally, As the YCLSA, we oppose any form of parole for Hani’s murderer, Clive Derby-Lewis. Parole should not be considered until he tells the nation who he collaborated with in the assassination of Cde Hani. We will double our efforts in calling for President Jacob Zuma to re-open the inquest into the death of Cde Hani. During Chris Hani Month and indeed today, on the anniversary of his death, cde Chris' legacy will be debated, analysed and the question ‘what if’ will be asked repeatedly. It is with great heaviness that we feel the passing of our leader and this does not grow easier as time elapses. We, as the progressive youth movement of the left have the task of imparting cde Chris’ spirit and legacy to the young generation- the ‘bornfrees’. This needs to translate into the urgent practical reality of shaping a generation committed to education, liberation from racial and economic discrimination and able to reject rampant materialism. The YCL look forward to this challenge and call on all progressive people within South Africa to join us in imparting cde Chris Hani’s legacy to the youth. Issued by YCLSA Head Office For more information contact: Khaya Xaba YCLSA National Spokesperson Cell: 074 5 204 204 Sent from my iPhone -- -- You are subscribed. This footer can help you. Please POST your comments to [email protected] or reply to this message. 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