The aftermath of the Marikana mine massacre has birthed a new political party, the Workers’ And Socialist Party (Wasp). Wasp announced yesterday that it would contest the 2014 general election on a pro-nationalisation ticket.

Wasp was formed by the Democratic Socialist Movement which is an affiliate of the Committee for a Workers’ International League.

During a speaking engagement in Pretoria yesterday, the Democratic Socialist Movement general secretary, Weizmann Hamilton said:

The Marikana massacre revealed to workers the “unfortunate and treacherous role played by a capitalist government and [the National Union of Mineworkers].

The working class is on its own. It has no alternative but to reclaim its class independence and political independence.

Hamilton said the goal of Wasp is to create a socialist society.

Wasp spokesperson, Mametlwe Sebei said The National Transport Movement has pledged its support to Wasp. Sebei said:

Anyone who leads the working class must have a political programme,” Sebei said.

We have not engaged the union but we hope that, as time goes by, those engagements will take place.

Wasp’s party leadership bodies will be formed in the near future according to Sebei.

1,000 members were gained by Wasp yesterday. Those members are expected to be registered next week.

[Source: TimesLIVE]