Palmiro Togliatti vs Walter Sisulu

Togliatti was a founding member of the Italian Communist Party (PCI) at its congress in Livorno. The party split from the Socialist Party over adherence to the Comintern. Togliatti became a central leader, guiding the party through the Fascist period and exile.

Togliatti, returning from exile in the Soviet Union, announced the 'Salerno Turn'

Togliatti was shot and seriously wounded by a right-wing student outside the Italian Parliament. The attack triggered a general strike and widespread protests, but the PCI leadership called for calm to avoid civil war. Togliatti survived and returned to lead the party.

After Khrushchev's secret speech denouncing Stalin, Togliatti developed the theory of 'polycentrism' in the communist movement. He argued for national paths to socialism independent of Moscow. This doctrine influenced the Eurocommunist movement and distanced the PCI from Soviet control.

Sisulu joined the ANC Youth League, becoming a key organizer alongside Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo. He helped transform the ANC into a mass movement against apartheid.

Sisulu was convicted in the Rivonia Trial for sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the apartheid state. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to Robben Island, where he became a mentor to younger prisoners.

Sisulu was released from prison after 25 years, following a campaign by the international community. His release signaled the beginning of the end of apartheid and he resumed his role as a senior ANC leader.

Sisulu was elected Deputy President of the ANC at the party's national conference. He played a key role in the negotiations for a democratic South Africa and served as a mentor to younger leaders.