Special Report Transcript Episode 20, Section 4, Time 21:32

Petrograd, October 1917. The Russian revolution has begun. The Bolsheviks under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin seize power with the help of the red guards. The tsar is overthrown. With the cry of ‘All power to the Soviets,’ the first communist state in the world is born. Many believe this to be the glorious beginning of a worldwide workers revolution that will establish communism across the globe. Four years later South Africa becomes one of the first countries outside the Soviet Union to establish a communist party. The Communist Party of South Africa is the first on the African continent and was established a whole year before that of even China. From the very beginning, the South African Party was an enthusiastic member of the international family of communism. Throughout its 75 year existence it would retain strong bonds with Moscow. Many South African communists would make the pilgrimage to Moscow for direction in their struggle. Many would be trained here and as you will find some would also die here.

Notes: Film footage of gathering in Petrograd, October 1917; Historical footage: South African Communist Party rally, 1921; SACP commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Russian Revolution ; Moscow

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