On Passing Away of Nelson Mandela, the National Leader and anti-Apartheid Fighter of South Africa

Like other progressive forces in Iran and world, Tudeh Party of Iran has always regarded with respect and admiration the exceptional and enlightening role of this national activist in defeating the apartheid dictatorship and establishing the democratic republic of South Africa. The central committee of Tudeh Party of Iran expresses its most sincere condolences to the people and progressive forces of South Africa, and particularly the members and leadership of South African Communist Party. We mourn together with the people of South Africa in these difficult moments.

Nelson Mandela, the 95-year old leader of the revolutionary movement against the dictatorship of the apartheid regime of South Africa passed away a few hours ago after months of hospitalization for lung infection and respiratory problems. This hero of struggle for freedom spent more than 27 years of his life in prison while persisting on his pro-people aspirations. The public opinion of the world rightfully recognizes Nelson Mandela as one of the unforgettable heroes of the contemporary history of the world in struggle for establishing a just and humanitarian society without discrimination.
Following the deterioration of his health condition about six month ago, progressive forces of the world and particularly in South Africa were concerned and worried about the well being of this prominent figure of the justice movement and anti-racism struggle, friend and ally of liberation movements and communists across the world. In prison and also after freedom, and with his courageous leadership of the African National Congress (ANC), Nelson Mandela could draw a wide spectrum of national, communist, trade unionist, religious and ethnic forces to struggle against the racist dictatorship. This politically diverse front and the Nelson Mandela’s spiritual influence on it have lasted since then. The resolute political leadership of Nelson Mandela and his vital role in mobilizing the peoples of South Africa for transition from dictatorship toward national-democratic stage have always been significant examples before all the political forces of the world in their efforts to advance national and ethnic alliances. Despite the current challenges in the current national-democratic stage of developments in South Africa, the people and the political forces defending the interests of the working people continue to be actively present in the political arena. Nelson Mandela, the leader of anti-apartheid movement, supported the alliance of ANC with South African Communist Party (SACP) and the trade union movement of the nation through his entire political life. In 1994 and as “the people’s candidate”, Nelson Mandela won the political power in the first “democratic election” of the nation with the support of a great majority of the people and progressive forces. During the 9th convention of the SACP (6th – 8th April 1995) the delegation of the leadership of Tudeh Party of Iran had a historic and remarkable meeting with the new, revolutionary and popular president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
Like other progressive forces in Iran and world, Tudeh Party of Iran has always regarded with respect and admiration the exceptional and enlightening role of this national activist in defeating the apartheid dictatorship and establishing the democratic republic of South Africa. The central committee of Tudeh Party of Iran expresses its most sincere condolences to the people and progressive forces of South Africa, and particularly the members and leadership of South African Communist Party. We mourn together with the people of South Africa in these difficult moments.