ANCYL President Collen Malatji
By Thabo Mosia
The tensions within tripartite alliance have reached a boiling point as the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) President, Collen Malatji, called on the South African Communist Party (SACP) to withdraw its deployees from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government if it opposes the Government of National Unity (GNU). This development follows SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila’s recent criticism, accusing the ANC of “selling out” to the Democratic Alliance (DA) by entering into the GNU.
A Sharp Rebuke from Malatji
During a media briefing marking the ANCYL’s 80th anniversary, Malatji did not mince words in his response to Mapaila’s remarks. He stated, “If the SACP has a problem with the structure of the GNU, then they must withdraw their deployees from government and contest in elections independently.” Malatji’s challenge to the SACP signals deepening fractures within the alliance, particularly over the controversial GNU.
Malatji further remarked, “You cannot say there is a GNU of sellouts when the SACP national chair is deployed to government. Anyone who has a problem with the GNU must withdraw their deployees and contest independently.” His statements underscore the ANCYL’s firm stance on maintaining the current alliance structure and the GNU, despite growing opposition.
Floyd Shivambu’s Departure and the GNU Debate
Adding another layer to the ongoing political drama, Malatji addressed the recent departure of Floyd Shivambu from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Malatji suggested that the EFF should now be engaged in discussions about joining the GNU. This proposition, however, is likely to stir further controversy, considering the EFF’s strong stance against the ANC and its policies.
The ANCYL on Law Enforcement and the Extortion Mafia
In addition to the political challenges, Malatji also called for decisive action from law enforcement agencies to tackle the extortion mafia plaguing various sectors of South Africa. He emphasized the need for a coordinated effort to eliminate these criminal networks that have been terrorizing businesses and communities.
Mbalula’s Response on Social Media
In the midst of these tensions, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to respond to Mapaila’s criticism. Mbalula’s posts reflect the ANC’s frustration with the SACP’s public outbursts. He stated, “CDE Solly Mapaila is missing the point. We shall debate these matters in the Alliance Political Council.”
Mbalula continued, “The ANC is neither a capitalist nor a socialist party. Our relationship with capital is unity and struggle of the opposites; we are a multi-ideological party at best. You can say we are social democrats. The burden to advance the struggle for socialism is on the South African Communist Party. Insults and insurrectionary phrase-mongering will not change the ideological outlook of the ANC.”
Mbalula also lamented the public nature of Mapaila’s criticisms, stating, “Grandstanding on public platforms, insulting your own comrades instead of engaging directly, is unfortunate. Calling us names does not serve our revolution but enriches our detractors.”
Mbalula concluded with a poignant reminder of the ANC’s historical role, quoting OR Tambo: “We did not tear ourselves apart because of a lack of progress at times. We were always ready to accept our mistakes and correct them. Above all, we succeeded in fostering and defending the unity of the ANC and the unity of our people in general.”
The YCLSA’s Criticism of Mbalula
The Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA), in a statement issued by its National Leader Mzwandile Thakhudi, did not hold back in their criticism of Mbalula. The YCLSA accused Mbalula of undermining the alliance by his defensive posture towards the GNU, which they view as a betrayal of the working class and socialist principles.
The statement read, “We cannot stand idly by as the ANC leadership continues to make concessions that weaken the alliance and undermine the struggle for socialism. The working class deserves leaders who are committed to their cause, not to political expediency.”
Mapaila’s Stance on SMWX
Solly Mapaila’s controversial remarks were made during an interview on SMWX, a popular political show hosted by Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh. Mapaila did not hold back, labeling the ANC’s decision to enter the GNU as a “gross error” and a “serious mistake.”
“The people never voted for a Government of National Unity,” Mapaila asserted. “It’s a political choice, not the will of the people. This arrangement serves the interests of a few at the expense of the many.”
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