Ramaphosa, Diko, the ANC and the Rise of the ‘Covidpreneurs’
The very system of tenders, whether they are technically corrupt or not, involves a massive diversion of wealth away from the working class and poor.
Comment & Analysis
Return to School: Safety Must be Priority
The decision of when to open and close schools should be under the control of local communities based primarily on health consideration. The SGBs have shown their willingness to toe the government line. We call for the creation of School Safety Committees made up of democratically elected representatives of teachers, parents and learners from grades 7 and up.
USA | What’s next for the anti-racist movement?
The current anti-racist protest movement lacks organization, leadership, and democratic decision-making structures. Without these, it is vulnerable to fizzling out without achieving lasting change, as people succumb to protest fatigue.
New Era of Capitalist Turmoil & Social Upheaval Opens
Although there are important differences, the main historical point of reference for the current crisis is the Great Depression in the 1930s. This crisis is developing against an entirely different historical background to that which existed in the 1930s and post 1945 capitalist boom.
Organising Working Class Communities Under Pandemic & Lockdown
Democratic community structures need to be built. The working class needs to take control of the battle against Covid-19. The tradition of community self-organisation remains alive and should be relied upon.
Covid-19 and Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa
By any standard, sub-Saharan Africa, as a whole, is a massive weak link for imperialism and the local capitalist classes. The over one billion population are at a turning point, facing old and new threats to health and life.
Cuba’s Medical Brigade & “Socialist” Cuba
On 27 April, 217 Cuban health workers arrived in South Africa to assist in the fight against Covid-19.
Across the left there has been a stampede to praise “socialist” Cuba. But there has been little said of any substance. However the history of Cuba since 1959 is full of lessons for workers and young people, especially in the neo-colonial world.
Global Pandemic, Capitalist Crisis & Bitter Class Polarisation in the US
A historic weakening of US imperialism following recent decline, and a strengthening of China, are set to shape a new balance in world relations. US imperialism emerged from the 1930s depression in a far -strengthened position. It will emerge from this crisis weakened and increasingly challenged by China. A new period of international relations is posed.
The Covid Crisis & the Way Forward for the Workers Movement
Convene a Saftu Congress and a second Working Class Summit before the end of May to re-arm the working class with a clear socialist programme for the new period of global pandemic and capitalist crisis. The working class needs its own post-Covid ‘recovery plan’.
Militarised Lockdown for the Working Class & Poor
There is growing concern over police and military brutality in the enforcement of South Africa’s twenty-one day lockdown regulations.
