Pretoria - The ANC has hailed the Communist Party of China for its role in fostering economic development in South Africa and other parts of the continent, as well as its bilateral relations with former liberation movements across Africa.
Yesterday, ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile reiterated his party’s continued commitment to upholding bilateral relations with the CPC during a high-level dialogue on the 20th CPC national congress held in Pretoria.
Last week, the CPC re-elected President Xi Jinping as the party’s general secretary amid harsh criticism from Western countries.
Mashatile addressed the gathering with the Chinese ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong, both of whom emphasised the need for the two countries to foster lasting relations including promoting rapid exchange programmes in politics and education.
Chen said the 20th CPC congress was a meeting of great importance, saying it took place at a critical time as China was embarking on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects, and advancing towards its second centenary goal.
The theme of the congress was “Holding High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics”.
This involved fully implementing the thought of “socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, carrying forward the great founding spirit of the party, staying confident and building strength, upholding fundamental principles, breaking new ground, forging ahead with enterprise and fortitude, striving in unity to build a modern socialist country in all respects, and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts”.
“The congress laid out well-informed guiding principles and missions of the party and the country for the next five years and more.
“The success of the congress has important practical and far-reaching historical significance for inspiring and mobilising the whole party, the entire military, and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to make greater achievements in the new era,” Chen said.
Supporting the outcome of the congress, Mashatile gave an indication that his party expected to take a leaf out of the CPC’s book as it was also preparing for its 55th national elective conference in December.
“We welcome the Communist Party of China’s ongoing commitment to boost exchanges and co-operation with political parties and organisations from other countries.
“This commitment is, and must be, based on the principles of independence, complete equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” Mashatile said.
He said his party welcomed the commitment, saying the ANC placed a high premium on party-to-party relations, especially with progressive and like-minded parties across the world.
“It is such a meeting of minds that contributes to the strengthening of bonds that bind us together.”
Mashatile continued: “We note with appreciation that the Communist Party of China has been consistent in representing the fundamental interests of all Chinese people.
“It has always stood on the side of the people, and not against them, sharing a common fate with the people.”.
Mashatile said that was the essence of the renewal programme his party was embarking on, saying the ANC would continue to draw lessons from the CPC and its leadership in this regard.
“Dear friends, as the Communist Party of China is fresh from its congress, we too in the ANC are preparing for our own 55th national conference taking place on the 16th to the 20th of December.
“Like the (CPC), we will use the occasion of our 55th national conference to reflect on the progress made in delivering on our historic mission of securing the total liberation of the people of South Africa,” Mashatile said.
He said they had no doubt that at the end of the conference the ANC would emerge with renewed hope for the future of the party and the country.
“We will also emerge with a clear programme on how to respond adequately, urgently and assertively to the daily challenges confronting our people.
“These include unemployment, poverty, crime, gender-based violence, femicide, corruption, social cohesion, racism, the energy crisis, and the rising cost of living.
“Like the (CPC), we too hope to emerge from our conference with an ANC that will continue to stay true to its fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly,” Mashatile vowed.
Pretoria News