Workers Party of Ireland message to the SACP on the passing of Comrade Chris Matlhako

Dear comrades,

The Workers Party of Ireland is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of comrade Chris Matlhako, member of the PB of the CC and Secretary for International Relations of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and conveys its message of deepest condolences to the family and friends of comrade Chris and to his comrades in the SACP.

Comrade Chris was a dedicated communist who spent his life in the service of the working class who joined the liberation struggle as a student, actively participating in the student movement to fight against the apartheid system and he joined the African National Congress and engaged in the mass democratic movement as an activist and leader. He was a longstanding member of the South African Communist Party, active at all levels and making a powerful contribution to party work at leadership level.

A dedicated internationalist, comrade Chris was well known within the international communist movement, including through his participation in International Meetings of the Communist and Workers’ Parties and the meetings of its Working Group.  He served his party and the working class with distinction.

On a personal level, comrade Chris was also well known to us. He was a modest and quietly spoken man who was held in high esteem by those who knew him. His passing is a huge loss to the SACP and the international communist movement.

Comrade Chris Matlhako will be greatly missed. He served the great cause of the working class and its historic mission with tireless dedication to the very end.

 Amandla ngawethu!

Gerry Grainger

International Secretary

On behalf of the Central Executive Committee

Workers Party of Ireland