/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

It is with profound sorrow and deep reverence that the South African Communist Party (SACP) bids farewell to Blanche la Guma, 95, a remarkable comrade and veteran who dedicated her life to the noble cause of our nation’s struggle for liberation, democracy, and socialism. 

 “We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her”, said the SACP General Secretary. 

Blanche, who passed away on Thursday, 6 July 2023 in Cape Town, leaves behind a lasting legacy of unwavering commitment and extraordinary contributions.

Blanche’s immense dedication and significant contributions were recognised and honoured by the SACP when she was conferred with the esteemed Dora Tamana Award by the Party’s Special National Congress in December 2019. This accolade symbolises her exceptional efforts in advancing our nation’s fight for freedom and equality, particularly in championing gender equality and the emancipation of women within our liberation struggle, democratic transformation and development.

Born on 30 November 1927 in Athlone, Cape Town, Blanche la Guma’s journey of activism began in her early years. Attending meetings of the Communist Party of South Africa, known since 1953 as the South African Communist Party (SACP), she became an ardent distributor of Party literature, embodying the spirit of dedication and commitment that has defined our struggle.

Blanche’s steadfast determination extended beyond her political engagements. In 1950, she embarked on professional a career in nursing, specialising as a midwife at St Monica’s Home, a pioneering institution where Coloured women could receive training as nurses. Despite the challenging circumstances, Blanche wholeheartedly pursued her studies, driven by her unwavering sense of duty to support her family during tough times.

Married to a communist revolutionary, the esteemed writer and prominent leader of the Communist Party, Alex La Guma, comrade Blanche’s political involvement intensified as she played a pivotal role in the formation of the Federation of South African Women while continuing her active involvement within the underground Communist Party. Rebuilding the progressive women’s movement will be a befitting honour to our fallen stalwart, comrade Blanche la Guma. 

Balancing her responsibilities as a breadwinner and a highly respected midwife, Blanche earned admiration for her tireless dedication to both her professional duties and her unwavering commitment to women’s political empowerment.

Her unwavering spirit and passion for justice were evident in her pivotal role in organising a demonstration of 300 nurses in 1957, in response to the discriminatory Nursing Act passed by the apartheid regime that year. Her courageous actions reflected her resolute commitment to challenging systemic oppression and advocating for a more equitable society and gender equality. Blanche’s unwavering commitment to her beliefs led to her unjust detention under the 90-day solitary confinement apartheid laws in 1963 and subsequent banning.

In 1966, Blanche and Alex La Guma were forced into exile, seeking refuge in the United Kingdom, where she continued her noble work as a midwife and later as a sister at the City of London Maternity Hospital. Her passion for the cause led her to assume a managerial role at the Soviet Weekly between 1970 and 1977. 

Later, Blanche and Alex settled in Cuba, in exile, where comrade Alex also served as the African National Congress’ representative for the Caribbean. He passed away while in exile, Cuba, in 1985 and was buried in Cuba. This serves as a reminder of the immense contribution made by the Cuban people under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban Revolution to our South African struggle for liberation and social emancipation. The SACP appreciates this invaluable support, Cuba’s great contribution to our struggle for liberation, democracy and social emancipation.  

In contradiction, the wright-wing in South Africa, including sections of present day “equal opportunities” liberals who benefitted from colonial and apartheid oppression, or from the proceeds or legacy of the wealth accumulated under the successive oppressive regimes, passed over from one generation of beneficiaries to another, continue to support the unjust blockade of Cuba by the imperialist regime of the United States. In memory of Blanche and Alex la Guma, the SACP will strengthen its efforts against the criminal economic, financial, investment and trade blockage against Cuba by the United States. We will also continue, and strengthen our efforts, against the imperialist United States-led regime change agenda against the Cuban government and national self-determination. 

Following the untimely passing of comrade Alex, comrade Blanche returned to London and eventually found her way back after unbanning of the SACP and the ANC to Cape Town, South Africa, in 1992.

The South African Communist Party mourns the loss of a remarkable comrade whose resilience, dedication, and selflessness have left an indelible mark on our struggle for a just and egalitarian society. Blanche la Guma’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of liberation, democracy, and socialism will continue to inspire generations to come. 

In this time of mourning, let us recommit ourselves to carrying forward Blanche’s legacy, to continue the struggle for a better future, and to honour her memory by relentlessly pursuing the ideals of justice, equality, and social emancipation, which will for the first time be possible under socialist transition and transformation of our society.

Issued by SACP