/ 12 July 2004

New SACP leaders chosen in Gauteng

The South African Communist Party in Gauteng has elected a new leadership at its eighth congress, which ended on Sunday.

The congress started on Friday in Johnnesburg.

In a statement, SACP spokesperson Kaizer Mohau said Vishwa Satgar maintains his position as provincial secretary. Bob Mabaso was re-elected chairperson.

Dan Mohapi was voted deputy secretary and Navel Felix was appointed deputy chairperson. Nzipho Mkhalipha was selected as treasurer.

Mohau said the congress concentrated on deepening the party’s relationship with the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the cooperative movement in the province.

He said as part of the Red October campaign for 2004, the organisation will focus on land and agriculture.

”Farm worker rights and ownership patterns still reflected racist and exploitative patterns,” said Mohau.

He added that there is also a great need for subsistence farming in the township communities.

”[The] SACP has called on government to increase the state ownership of land to ensure redistribution and use by poor communities,” he added. — Sapa