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The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to the family of Comrade Deiter Gerhardt, 90, codename “Felix”, who served the South African liberation struggle with great dignity. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, children and his grandchildren. 

We also convey our condolences to the South African liberation movement, which he served diligently. As the SACP, we fly our red flag at half-mast in honour of this citizen of the world who volunteered his revolutionary spirit in service of the oppressed African people.

Having lived his life as an admiral naval officer in the British navy and later the South African navy and, at the same time, as a secret operative of the Soviet Union, Comrade Gerhardt displayed his most remarkable talent, courage and loyalty to the anti-imperialist cause. Gerhard was recruited by Bram Fischer as an agent for the South African revolutionary forces, through the SACP, in the struggle against apartheid. The high-level security information he provided to the Soviet Union and the progressive movement in South Africa was invaluable in the decision-making and strategy formulation that protected our forces and kept our revolution going.

Gerhardt’s relationship with the Soviet Union and the communist movement in South Africa earned him legendary status as an operative whose work was of great significance during the Cold War. His efforts created conditions for the Soviet Union, the SACP and the ANC to coordinate an effective strategy in the international struggle against imperialism and the national struggle against apartheid. By his actions, the admiral represented and devoted himself to a struggle to build a non-racial South Africa, while being a European himself. He was therefore exemplary in his humanism and internationalism as represented by his life of solidarity with the oppressed.

He lived a life of profound sacrifice. To that end, we recognise that he faced the possibility of a death sentence from the apartheid regime following his arrest in January 1983, and yet he made his contribution with bravery and determination. The apartheid regime’s court sentenced him to life imprisonment in December 1983 for his internationalist efforts towards the destruction of the apartheid system, while his wife, Ruth, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for her role. He was released in August 1992, following his wife, who had been released in 1990, and in 1999 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission granted him amnesty. 

In paying tribute to Admiral Gerhardt, the SACP continues to play its role in the fight against imperialism. In this respect, the SACP reiterates its call for the international isolation of apartheid Israel for its occupation and genocide in Palestine. We also call for the unity of the working class and justice-loving people across the world in solidarity with the Cuban people as well as all other people fighting against imperialist aggression across the world. 

Issued by South African Communist Party