Raymond+Suttner,+Sacred+Word,+Business+Day

Business Day, Johannesburg, 09 May 2006
=Sacred word?=

The letter by Malesela Maleka, speaking officially for the South African Communist Party, Rant misrepresents SACP ideals (May 4), refers. The letter, attacking me personally, purported to respond to my letter questioning the direction of party’s leadership on the Jacob Zuma matter.

Maleka’s letter is one of a series of statements made by party officials that appear on various websites. There is nothing in it that engages with what I wrote. Many of the comments question my own record. The party leadership knows very well what the truth is. I have no intention of “clearing my name” — there is no case to answer.

Of concern, however, is whether the party leadership agrees with this style of engagement, which amounts to silencing. Is it a signal to others who might wish to question issues or raise disagreements? Have we reached the stage where the word of the general secretary is sacred and the price you will pay for disagreement is to see your name dragged through the mud? Are we to believe this means loyalty is to the leadership, and there is no debate on what direction they choose?

Johannesburg
 * Raymond Suttner**

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