The following interview of Chris Matlhako, Secretary of International Affairs for the South African Communist Party, took place at the 6th National Convention of the CCDS, July 2009 in San Francisco. It was conducted
by Northern California CCDS member Mel Martynn. Matlhako also spoke to the assembly several times. He discussed both the gains and problems of South African society. Matlhako, 38, became involved in mass demonstration movements in the early 80s as
he was growing up. His family was working class, his mother was a nurse, and he has three brothers. He joined the African National Congress in 1989, when it was still banned.
chrismatlhako@hotmail.com
Website: www.sacp.org.za
MM Will you please describe some of the gains in the nation of South Africa since the beginning of democracy and the rise to power of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1994.
CM Housing has seen the greatest improvement with millions of housing units having been constructed, mostly in urban areas. There has been a great increase of people from rural areas, not only from other parts of our country but other parts of southern Africa as well, e.g. Mozambique This has placed a great deal of pressure on providing basic services to the new arrivals.
Additionally, there have been nearly 5 million phone connections. Meanwhile South Africa now has the highest consumption of cell phone use on the Continent. However, much more needs to be done. The absence of various public services has led to public protests, which the government is taking very seriously.
Also there is a need to quickly provide greater educational advancement in order to fill the infrastructure required to provide these services. Education continues to be one of our highest priorities.
MM How did former President Mbeki address some of these challenges? (Mbeki succeeded Mandela)
CM In order to gain greater foreign investment, he began a series of belt tightening measures that resulted in a decrease of government provided services. His Growth and Economic Redistribution, (GEAR), program failed. There was a sell-off of key State investments and the imposition of user fees. Health care has been undermined by privatization in favor of non-goverment providers. Currently one of the major objectives has been to push for universal health care. (South Africa has 48 million people). Education has also been privatized. This has resulted in less funding for most of the country's children. This is another key goal for my country, universal education grades 1-12, with greater school construction and improved library facilities.
MM Isn't South Africa the richest nation on the continent, especially wealthy in minerals?
CM That's true but the platinum, gold and diamond extraction has not included Black improvement programs. Profits were drained off to the politically connected. And of course, De Beers, diamonds, and the Anglo-American Mine Company are global players who still control most of the resources.
MM In 2010 South Africa will host the World Cup Soccer games. This is the premier sporting event on the planet and will be viewed by billions including hundreds of thousands of visitors.
CM Yes, but while it is important that the world's eyes are on South Africa for the globe's most popular sport, when it's over, infrastructure programs must remain intact and of practical use for the future.
MM How much are neighboring countries influenced by South Africa?
CM There's a great deal of immigration from Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, where the economy has collapsed. Some of South Africa's most powerful industries have exerted a predatory role in the region, driving into bankruptcy small and medium enterprises, forcing many people into poverty. There are about 2 million people from Zimbabwe now in South Africa, many of them workers exploited by South African companies. Because of such conditions, what is needed for South Africa and its neighbors is a regional plan.
MM Would you please comment on the recent, significant involvement of China throughout Africa.
CM Chinese influence throughout the continent has been greatly increased. African improrts of textiles have devastated local businesses. China however is interested in more investment and infrastructure building, e.g. in Angola, roads for oil. Meanwhile ties between Angola and South Africa remain strong. Venezuela and Brazil are cooperating with South in oil exploration.
MM What are your thoughts about current President Zuma's rise to leadership? (Zuma followed Mbeki who succeeded Mandela).
CM Before him, there developed a boiling over of aspirations, a poor trajectory. He represents elements that are between elite tendencies on the ultra left and right. Zuma is a self-taught person. He came out of the two million member trade union federation, COSATU. The key ANC issues are 1. National Health Insurance, universal access, continuation of the HIV/AIDS support fund backed by former Pres. Mandela. 2. Rural development of the land. 3. Crime, reduce the disparities in society especially among the marginalized people. 4. Improved educatiion. 5. Improve the economy.
This article appeared in the Jan-Mar 2010 issue of the Northern California CCDS newsletter (the final print issue).
Comments