"Because the relationship between the SACP and the ANC is and has always been familial, it can be best described as that of siblings, brothers; the ANC being the elder brother while the SACP the younger brother," Montlanthe said.

He said the ANC being the elder brother did not mean it had a big brother superiority complex and the SAPC became the responsible younger brother that taught the older brother.

"This equipped those of us in the ANC with the necessary tools of analysis and education needed for us to develop ourselves...

"It also helped us to understand the needs of the oppressed people better and to articulate our vision for a free and democratic South Africa that belongs to all its people, black and white," he said.

Through advanced political education members of the SACP provided the ANC with political clarity and superior ideas needed to mobilise the people in the struggle against apartheid, Motlanthe said.

Earlier, Blade Nzimande was re-elected as secretary-general of the SA Communist Party at the University of Zululand near Empangeni during the party's 13th national congress.

Jeremy Cronin was also re-elected unopposed as the deputy secretary.

National Union of Mineworkers president Senzeni Zokwana was elected to the post of party chairman.

He replaced Gwede Mantashe, who stepped down.

Solly Maipila was elected second deputy secretary-general while Thulas Nxesi was elected deputy national chairman.

Joyce Moloi-Moropa was elected treasurer -- she had previously been deputy chair of the SACP.