Having spent time as a clandestine organiser in South Africa in the mid-1970s, he permanently returned to South Africa following the unbanning of the ANC in 1990, and took over from Joe Slovo as head of the South African Communist Party on the 8 December 1991.[7] He supported the suspension of the ANC's armed struggle in favour of negotiations.[8]
Emva kokuchitha isikhathi eside emguhlanganisi wangasese eNingizimu Afrika phakathi neminyaka ye-1970s, wabuyela eNignizimu Afrika ngokugcwele emva kokususwa kwesinqabelo se-ANC ngonyaka we-1990, wathatha izintambo kuJo Slovo njengenhloko yeSouth African Communist Party mhla ziyi-8 kuZibandlela 1991.[7] Wayehambisana nokumiswa komzabalazo wempi we-ANC ukuvumela izingxoxo.[8]