From: South Africa's Radical Tradition, a documentary history, Volume One 1907 - 1950, by Allison Drew

Document 40 - Letter from T. W. Thibedi to the Communist League of America', 26 April 1932

                                                                                                                                                                          April 26,1932.

Secretary

Communist League of America

84 East 10th Street

New York

Dear Comrade:-

In our last meeling held on the 22 of April, 1932 at 9 Fuller Street, Bertratns, Johannesburg, all the undermentioned negro comrades decided to apply for membership to your league. Regarding you appeal for your literature agents it was agreed that we request you to send us 8 dozen copies of the Militant per week which we hope to sell and return you the money. We are particulady anxious to introduce the Miliitant amongst the African workers and for handling the same a committee consisting of 12 of us has already been selected. Send us 2 dozen copies of your constitution, sendus, say 12 copies of advertising bills with attractive cartoons if you consider necessary with every issue of the Militant. Send us from time to time propaganda leaflets for free distribution if you have any.

The first copy of the Militant ihat came to our notice is Volume V, whole No.97 dated January 2, 1932, in which we find on page three an article entitled “Stalin and the Chinese Revolution" but we were disappointed for not having been able to obtain a previous copy of the Militant, the issue which we believe contains the first part of that article, so will you by the next mail send us 2 copies which we desire to keep on our files.

Comrades, do not be worried in seeing all these applicants being negroes and think that we are purposely retusing to unite with European comrades, no we are not. It is only about 2 months ago that we have been consideringjoining yourLeague. Although it is difficult for a negro comrade to organize a European worker, we hope that later on white militant follow our lead. The color question makes organizing difficult. Negro workers are generally considered inferior even on such matters as revolutionary organizations, and as usual European workers are considered superior. We have been calling ourselves "Communist Party of Africa".

The undermentioned negro comrades pledge themselves to see that your instructions inconnection with the revolutionary movement for a complete overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of communism in Africa are carried out. Please address all communications and literature to the secretary. We are:-

George Malefo, chairman, T.W. Thibedi, secretary, Simon Molefi, Treasurer, Scott H Seroke. Jim Makapane. James Mokwane, Alfred Mokkatle, Cyrus M. Letlojane, B. Dau Madiseng. Stephen Mokkethea, Johannes Maskigo, Alphies Maliba, George Makua, Thomas Moekitsi, France Mopu, Rapalana J. Tjekele, Timothy Pongosi, J. Chusi. Lucas Malop, Johannes Chileane, Samuel Mohlati, Sam Khuduga, etc.3 I am,

                                                                                                                                            Yours for a speedy revolution,

                                                                                                                                                             T. W. Thibedi, Sec'y

                                                                                                                                                 Communist Party of Africa

                                                                                                                                                                      P O Box 4143

                                                                                                                                                    Johannesburg, So. Africa