In the name of the African National Congress of South Africa and on behalf of millions of oppressed and struggling people in my country, I take great pleasure in addressing this message of solidarity to you, to TANU National Executive, and to the Government and people of Tanzania. We have always fervently held the conviction that the people of Tanzania by following the road of unflinching struggle against imperialism, colonialism and neo-colonialism will not only achieve the revolutionary tasks and ideals of the African revolution but will also render Africa the inestimable duty of affording her sons and daughters an opportunity to learn from Tanzania's experience and example.
The programme of socialist construction enshrined in the Arusha Declaration will go down in the annals of African history as the decisive clarion call to defend national sovereignty against neo-colonialist counter revolutionary subversion and to move African revolutionary forces towards the full realisation of political, social and economic independence. This is a great revolutionary step forward. It has struck fear in the hearts of the enemies of Africa's freedom.
The Arusha Declaration comes at an opportune historical period and is a telling blow to the imperialist offensive which swept across Africa last year bringing untold humiliation to African nationhood and human dignity. We particularly wish to commend you and the TANU National Executive for the clear enunciation of the basic elements of socialism in African conditions in which public ownership of the means of production is based on self-reliance and democratic government. The principle of nationalisation has also been placed in vivid perspective, showing the only way in which national resources and the heritage of the people can be restored to them.
In conclusion allow me to convey to you our heartfelt congratulations and good wishes for success in the implementation of the historic Arusha Declaration.
(Signed) O.R. Tambo
Deputy President
African National Congress
1. Declaration on self-reliance and later in the month the Government nationalised the banks.