SA Prime Minister, P.W. Botha calls for unity against Marxism

At a National Party (NP) Congress in Bloemfontein, the South African Prime Minister, P.W. Botha said that the NP has to draw together as many people as possible, allowing them to maintain their separate identities, but uniting them in a common front against Marxism. Subsequently, nine years later the Soviet Union, known by many as one of the strongest socialist countries, collapsed. The Prime Minister’s statement came at the height of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. Just months after his speech, South African Defence Force (SADF) crossed the country’s borders to Matola, Mozambique, where they killed uMkhonto weSizwe combatants. The victims were Guma Mduduzi Eric, Mokgabudi Motso, Khanyile William Fano, Hadebe Lancelot Mfanafuthi, Molebatsi Daniel, Ngcobo Steven, Rabilal Krishna, Manakazi Levinson Solly, Bookolane Thabang Henry, Magubane Bhekimuzi Felix, Skweyiya Sizinzo and Mvula Nduna. The casualties were buried on 14 February 1981.