The African National Congress (ANC) proudly commemorates the 131st anniversary of the birth of Comrade James Arnold “Jimmy” La Guma, born on August 23, 1894. Today, we remember a revolutionary giant whose life was closely tied to the struggles of the working class, the oppressed, and the total liberation of our people.
Comrade La Guma was not only a fearless trade unionist, but also a distinguished leader of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the ANC. From his early years as a leather worker, he dedicated himself to advocating for laborers against poor conditions and exploitation. His activism with the Industrial and Commercial Union (ICU) in the 1920s, along with his service as an ANC leader in Cape Town and the Western Cape, highlights his lifelong commitment to advancing the cause of the working poor.
He represented the ANC and the SACP on international platforms, including the historic 1927 Brussels Congress and visits to Germany and the Soviet Union. Despite facing bans, expulsions, and arrests, Jimmy La Guma never wavered in his pursuit of freedom. His commitment remained steadfast even in the face of persecution, detention, and declining health in his later years.
Awarded the Order of Luthuli in Silver, Comrade La Guma is remembered for his lifelong dedication to the struggle against apartheid and his tireless work in support of workers. His legacy endures through his contributions to the unity of the liberation movement, his commitment to progressive internationalism, and his passion for a South Africa free from racism and exploitation.
As we reflect on his life, we draw strength from his example of discipline, sacrifice, and revolutionary duty. The ANC calls upon its members and the nation to uphold the values that Jimmy La Guma embodied: selfless service, resilience in the face of adversity, and an uncompromising dedication to justice.