Beijing venue of the webinar (Courtesy) 

Both the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) were founded in July 1921, an extraordinary milestone of the international communist cause. To celebrate the centenary of the founding of both parties, the two parties jointly held an opening ceremony for a webinar on the joint celebration of two centenaries on February 2. An official from the International Department of the CPC Central Committee and Solly Mapaila, First Deputy General Secretary of the SACP, gave speeches at the opening ceremony. 

In his speech, the CPC official noted that in the past 100 years, the CPC has always kept in mind its founding mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. By upholding its nature as a Marxist party and integrating the basic principles of Marxism with the reality of the country, the CPC has explored a road of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which has brought profound changes in China, he said. 

He also noted that the SACP, guided by Marxism, has been committed to national liberation and socialist exploration, and has played an irreplaceable role in building a new South Africa. The century-long struggle of the two parties for their missions has made remarkable contributions to the global socialist movement, proving the validity of Marxism and demonstrating the strong vitality of socialism. 

He said that China will plan and implement a series of activities to celebrate the common centennial and use the opportunity to enhance the institutionalization of exchanges between the two parties. He called for strengthened exchanges and cooperation between the two parties to make greater contributions to the cause of human progress.   

Reviewing the history of the SACP, Mapaila pointed out that the party led the South African people in their heroic and remarkable struggle against colonialism and apartheid, which achieved a democratic breakthrough. The new South Africa was established in 1994. The South African society has undergone a tremendous transformation ever since and the well-being of the people has been significantly enhanced, with millions of people benefiting from it.  

Noting China's success in eliminating absolute poverty, he said the century-long development of the CPC and the extraordinary achievements of the socialism with Chinese characteristics have greatly inspired the development of socialism in Africa and the world. He also said that the SACP hopes to enhance inter-party communication with the CPC and further deepen cooperation on epidemic control, party building, national policymaking, trade and investment, among others.  

In the end of his speech, he pointed out that the SACP and the CPC have strong similarities and are complementary to each other, and have together made important contributions to the cause of socialism. He looked forward to the centennial celebrations with the CPC to further strengthen the cooperation between the two parties. 

Attendees of the webinar (Courtesy)