ANC’s Fikile Mbalula Vs SACP’s Solly Mapaila
By Thabo Mosia
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has fired back at South African Communist Party (SACP) General Secretary Solly Mapaila’s recent comments that accused the ANC of betraying its principles by aligning with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the current political landscape. This exchange highlights growing tensions within the tripartite alliance, raising questions about the ideological direction of the ANC and its relationship with its traditional allies.
In a recent interview on SMWX with Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Mapaila expressed disappointment and concern over the ANC’s political choices, particularly its perceived collaboration with the DA. He did not mince words, describing the decision as a “gross error” and a “serious mistake,” arguing that it represented a betrayal of the ANC’s historical mission to champion the interests of the working class and the broader South African populace.
Mbalula’s Response
Mbalula, known for his outspoken nature, took to social media platform X to respond to Mapaila’s criticism. He stated, “CDE Solly Mapaila is missing the point we shall debate this matters in the Alliance political council.” He went on to clarify the ANC’s ideological stance, asserting, “The ANC is neither a capitalist nor a socialist party. Our relationship with capital is unity and struggle of the opposite. 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 further criticized Mapaila for airing grievances publicly rather than addressing them within the alliance’s political council, 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 destructors.”
He also took issue with Mapaila’s assertion that the ANC was veering away from its founding principles, urging that such concerns be raised within the ANC rather than in public forums. Mbalula emphasized, “If CDE Solly believes the ANC has shifted or is fast becoming something else, shouldn’t he raise such with the ANC? Why attack the ANC in the midst of so many opponents and foes? To please and to serve who?”
Mbalula underscored the importance of unity within the alliance, particularly in the face of significant challenges, stating, “South Africans want their lives to change for the better, not political bickering. The ANC is not a branch of the SACP, neither is the SACP a branch of the ANC. We must treat each other with respect as allies.”
Mapaila’s Critique of the ANC-DA Collaboration
During his interview with SMWX, Mapaila delved into the history and ideological underpinnings of his political beliefs, recounting personal experiences that shaped his activism. However, his sharpest criticism was reserved for the ANC’s recent political maneuvers. He accused the ANC of betraying its historical mission by aligning with the DA, a party he described as representing the interests of South Africa’s white minority and the continuation of apartheid-era economic policies.
Mapaila stated, “The people never voted for a government of national unity; it is a political choice. The ANC’s decision to collaborate with the DA is a betrayal of the people’s aspirations for a more equitable and just society. It reverses many of the gains made in the struggle against apartheid and disrespects the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom.”
He further argued that the alliance between the ANC and the DA is not in the best interest of South Africa’s working class and marginalized communities, asserting that it serves only to protect the interests of capital and a political elite detached from the struggles of ordinary South Africans.
Mapaila’s remarks reflect a deep-seated concern that the ANC, under its current leadership, is abandoning its roots as a liberation movement committed to the social and economic transformation of South Africa. He warned that history would judge the ANC harshly for its current political trajectory, which he believes is driven by a desire to maintain power at all costs rather than advancing the revolutionary goals of the alliance.
Mbalula’s Defense of ANC Policies
In his rebuttal, Mbalula defended the ANC’s approach, arguing that the party’s relationship with capital is complex and involves both unity and struggle. He acknowledged that within the ANC, there are diverse views on how to engage with capital and manage the economy, but he insisted that the party remains committed to its broader goals of social justice and economic transformation.
Mbalula also referenced historical moments in the ANC’s evolution, drawing parallels between the current debates and past ideological struggles within the movement. He pointed out that in the early 1990s, similar accusations of “selling out” were leveled against the ANC when it decided to suspend the armed struggle and negotiate a peaceful transition to democracy. He suggested that, in hindsight, the ANC’s strategy during that period was vindicated by the successful transition to a democratic South Africa.
“There are many, including in our ranks, who think forming a GNU with the DA is not correct, just as in the early 90s we thought suspending the armed struggle was a sellout position,” Mbalula remarked. “History and the ANC’s strategy and tactics have proven that we were wrong.”
He concluded his response with a call for unity within the alliance, emphasizing that the ANC and SACP must work together to navigate the current political landscape. “Allies are not defined by political outbursts,” he noted, expressing his disappointment in the public airing of grievances. “This is an ANC-led government of national unity. Our members will be very disappointed in this sort of conduct.”
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