SACP Free State Condemns Blade Nzimande Over ‘Divisive’ Public Document
In a sharp rebuke that highlights growing tensions within the South African Communist Party (SACP), the Free State provincial executive committee (PEC) has strongly criticised national chairperson Blade Nzimande for releasing a public discussion document. The PEC described the move as divisive and an attempt to divert attention from key party resolutions. This comes amid broader debates about the SACP’s future direction, including its plans to contest the 2026 local government elections independently from the African National Congress (ANC).
The Free State branch held a virtual PEC meeting on 23 November 2025, just ahead of the party’s augmented central committee (ACC) gathering. During the session, members reviewed political reports, organisational updates, and financial matters. They focused on the state of the national democratic revolution (NDR), the alliance with the ANC and other partners, and internal challenges facing the party. The meeting served as a platform to prepare for the ACC and to address what the PEC sees as threats to the revolution from neoliberal forces.
Background to Nzimande’s Controversial Document
Blade Nzimande, a long-time SACP leader and former party general secretary from 1998 to 2022, released a discussion paper titled “Rescuing the revolution and reaffirming the SACP’s historical mission: A call for a special congress”. Written in his personal capacity, the document calls for a special national congress to review the party’s fifth special national congress decision from December 2024. That earlier resolution marked a bold step for the SACP, deciding to break away from contesting elections under the ANC banner and instead run independently in the 2026 municipal polls.
Nzimande argues that changing political and economic conditions make this review urgent. He points to a deepening crisis in governance, rising unemployment, social alienation, and what he calls the fragmentation of the working-class movement. Drawing on Leninist ideas, he stresses the need for a “concrete analysis of the concrete situation” to avoid rigid thinking. The document highlights internal party weaknesses, such as poor communication leading to confusion among members who hold dual roles in the SACP and ANC, and a decline in political training that has weakened the party’s sharp analysis.
He warns that pushing ahead with independent elections without broader support from allies like the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) could split the trade union movement and isolate the SACP.
Nzimande also critiques factional behaviour, personality-driven politics, and the erosion of democratic centralism – the principle where open debate happens before decisions, but unity follows once resolutions are made. To fix these, he suggests reviving grassroots efforts like the Chris Hani Red Brigades, building a popular left front with unions such as Cosatu and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), and improving digital outreach to connect with young workers.
The paper positions the SACP at a critical turning point, urging a programme of revolutionary renewal. It clarifies that the push for electoral independence should reaffirm the party’s autonomy without turning into isolationism or an outright break from the ANC. However, Nzimande’s call has sparked debate, with some seeing it as a step back from the 2024 resolution, which was driven by frustrations over the ANC’s failure to implement alliance agreements and its perceived rightward shift towards neoliberal policies.
Free State PEC’s Strong Rejection
The Free State PEC expressed deep disappointment over Nzimande’s actions, viewing the document as a regurgitation of old ideas repackaged opportunistically. They labelled it a diversion, distortion, and an attempt at revisionism that challenges the democratic will of the party as set out in its resolutions. The PEC rejected what they see as worrying undertones in the paper, arguing it could paralyse the party’s unity and cohesion from within.
In their statement, the PEC mandated representatives to raise the issue at upcoming party forums and to counter what they described as an emerging rebellious tendency. They emphasised the need for leaders to speak out in support of implementing party decisions, but warned that such contributions must clarify and advance those resolutions rather than obscure or revise them. Drawing on communist discipline, the PEC stressed that all members, including top leaders, must act as one once decisions are made by competent bodies.
The meeting also delved into broader concerns about the NDR’s vulnerabilities. The PEC highlighted neoliberal attacks, including privatisation in energy, transport, and infrastructure, as well as austerity measures and growing dollar-based national debt outlined in recent budget statements. They blamed these advances on the erosion of alliance cohesion, with the ANC leader embracing unilateral decisions that seem aimed at factional gains and excluding partners.
A key example raised was the ANC’s unilateral reconfiguration of political leadership in several Free State municipalities, endorsed by national leaders without consulting allies. This, the PEC argued, reduces the alliance to a symbolic rather than strategic force. Despite SACP efforts to engage the ANC for joint assessments, these have not happened. The PEC also noted a court ruling on the possible dissolution of Ngwathe municipality, directing the Josie Mpama district to prepare through consultations.
To strengthen their own organisation, the PEC adopted measures to improve coordination, speed up the setup of party structures, work closer with trade unions, and prepare for initiatives like the provincial People’s Red Caravan, the Red Book launch, and reviving the Friends of Cuba Society (Focus) chapter. They urged activists to engage communities ongoing to tackle societal issues.
Signs of Deeper Divisions Within the SACP
The Free State condemnation is part of wider rifts in the SACP. In KwaZulu-Natal, the provincial executive rejected its recent disbandment by the central committee, calling it unconstitutional and without proper consultation. They positioned themselves as the legitimate leadership and criticised attempts to create parallel structures. Interestingly, the KZN branch welcomed Nzimande’s document, seeing it as vital for tackling the party’s strategic and ideological challenges. However, they slammed public attacks on Nzimande, including those with tribal tones, as against Marxist-Leninist principles of non-racialism and internationalism.
These provincial splits reflect tensions between Nzimande and current general secretary Solly Mapaila, who has championed the independent election path. Mapaila recently affirmed the party is on track for 2026, but Nzimande’s push for review has drawn flak from some quarters, exposing factionalism and personality clashes. Critics argue the document risks weakening the SACP’s resolve at a time when the balance of forces favours neoliberal agendas, while supporters see it as a necessary pause to rebuild unity.
The debates also touch on dual membership, where SACP members in ANC roles face confusion over loyalties. Broader ideological erosion in the alliance, including the ANC’s drift, has fueled these issues, with some fearing a deliberate fracture that could harm working-class interests.
Implications for the Tripartite Alliance and 2026 Elections
The row raises questions about the tripartite alliance’s future, comprising the ANC, SACP, and Cosatu. The SACP’s 2024 decision stemmed from anger over the ANC’s refusal to reconfigure the alliance for more influence on policy. Now, Nzimande’s call could reopen talks, but it might also deepen divides if seen as backtracking.
With 2026 elections looming, the SACP faces a choice: push for independence to assert its vanguard role or prioritise alliance unity to avoid splitting votes and weakening the left. A special congress, if held, could lead to a Socialist Municipal Charter, linking elections to mass struggles and popular power. However, without addressing internal flaws like resource shortages and uneven structures, the party risks further paralysis.
In the Free State, the PEC cautioned about growing rifts in the local ANC taking factional forms, anchored in competing power centres. They urged direct engagement with lower structures to implement decisions effectively.
Well Wishes for Cosatu’s Milestone
Amid these internal storms, the Free State PEC extended warm wishes to Cosatu as it marks its 40th anniversary. They hailed Cosatu as the shield and spear of the working class, wishing it unity and bold action against neoliberal agendas and capitalist crises that fuel unemployment, poverty, inequality, and high living costs. The PEC pledged the SACP’s ongoing support in workers’ struggles and encouraged all structures, workers, and communities to join Cosatu’s activities leading to the anniversary rally.
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