ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and Solly Mapaila SACP Leader
By Sello Masilo
The African National Congress (ANC) is set to engage in a meeting with the South African Communist Party (SACP) on Sunday, 24 November 2024, at Chief Albert Luthuli House in Johannesburg. This meeting aims to address escalating tensions within the tripartite alliance, particularly concerning the ANC’s coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Background of the Tripartite Alliance
The tripartite alliance, comprising the ANC, SACP, and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), has been instrumental in South Africa’s political landscape since the apartheid era. This coalition has historically unified efforts towards the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), striving for a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society. However, recent developments have strained these relationships, prompting a reevaluation of the alliance’s dynamics.
SACP’s Concerns Over the GNU
The SACP has expressed significant reservations about the ANC’s decision to form a coalition with the DA. SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila has been particularly vocal, describing the alliance with the DA as a “betrayal” of the revolutionary principles that underpin the NDR. He argues that the DA’s neoliberal policies are fundamentally at odds with the socialist ideals championed by the SACP and the broader alliance.
In a recent interview, Mapaila stated, “The DA doesn’t represent an iota of the interests of the majority of our people. It is a party of white interest.” He further criticized the ANC’s leadership, particularly President Cyril Ramaphosa, questioning their commitment to the alliance’s foundational values.
ANC’s Response to SACP’s Criticisms
The ANC, acknowledging the SACP’s concerns, has emphasized the importance of internal dialogue to address these issues. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula responded to Mapaila’s critiques by stating, “While the ANC respects the SACP as a key ally, we believe that differences within the alliance should be managed internally with the appropriate decorum, honouring our shared history and revolutionary principles.”
Mbalula also highlighted the need for unity within the alliance, referencing the legacy of leaders like Chris Hani, who valued strategic compromise in advancing the people’s interests. He confirmed that the upcoming meeting aims to clarify whether Mapaila’s statements reflect the SACP’s official stance or his personal views.
Implications for the Tripartite Alliance
The discord between the ANC and SACP over the GNU has raised questions about the future of the tripartite alliance. The SACP’s upcoming fifth special national congress, scheduled for 11 to 14 December 2024 in Ekurhuleni, is expected to be a platform where the party will reassess its relationship with the ANC. Discussions will likely focus on the SACP’s political independence and its role within the alliance, especially in light of the ANC’s declining electoral performance and the controversial coalition with the DA.
Broader Political Context
The ANC’s decision to enter into a coalition with the DA follows a significant decline in its electoral support, securing just over 40% in the May 2024 national elections—the lowest since the end of apartheid. This outcome has compelled the ANC to seek alliances to maintain governance, leading to the formation of the GNU. However, this coalition has been met with resistance not only from the SACP but also from other alliance partners like COSATU, who have expressed concerns over the DA’s neoliberal policies and their potential impact on the working class.
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and Solly Mapaila SACP Leader
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