SACP Leader Solly Mapaila
By Karabo Marifi
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has officially commenced its fifth Special National Congress today, a four-day event held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni. The congress is set to tackle pivotal issues affecting South Africa’s political and socio-economic landscape, including the future of the tripartite alliance with the African National Congress (ANC) and Cosatu, as well as strategies to address economic inequalities and corporate influence in politics.
Addressing the media, SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila highlighted the party’s concerns about the influence of big capital in shaping the country’s political outcomes. He described a “counterrevolutionary process” orchestrated by powerful corporate entities aimed at undermining the ANC’s electoral dominance. Mapaila’s remarks set the tone for what promises to be a highly charged congress.
Capital’s Role in Political Manipulation
In his address, Mapaila accused corporate elites of actively working to erode the ANC’s political influence by funding opposition parties. “Big capital has organised a counterrevolutionary process to remove the ANC from power or reduce its influence below 50%, forcing it into coalitions,” he stated. He pointed to the funding records of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which reveal substantial contributions from corporations like the Oppenheimer family to opposition parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and ActionSA.
Mapaila argued that this financial backing serves the interests of corporate profiteers, ensuring that policies favourable to big business are prioritised over the needs of the working class. “The profitability of capital becomes guaranteed when they manipulate political outcomes to maintain control over key sectors of the economy,” he explained.
Prescribed Assets Legislation and Economic Equity
A central theme of Mapaila’s address was the SACP’s advocacy for “prescribed assets” legislation. This policy would require corporations to invest a portion of their resources in underdeveloped communities, improving access to essential services such as water, sanitation, and healthcare. He cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a missed opportunity for implementing such measures.
“During the pandemic, we urged the government to instruct capital to deploy resources to communities without water and sanitation. This could have been a turning point, but the reluctance to challenge corporate interests stalled progress,” Mapaila lamented.
The prescribed assets policy, according to Mapaila, is vital for ensuring holistic development led by both the state and the private sector. “We need development determined not just by capital but by the state, to address inequalities and uplift marginalised communities,” he added.
The Future of the Tripartite Alliance
As the congress unfolds, the future of the SACP’s alliance with the ANC and Cosatu is expected to dominate discussions. Mapaila expressed dissatisfaction with the ANC’s failure to implement radical policies aimed at economic transformation, citing this as a key area of contention within the alliance.
The congress will also explore the possibility of the SACP contesting future elections independently, a move that could significantly alter the political landscape. “The alliance must be reconfigured to remain relevant and serve the interests of the working class. If this cannot be achieved, we must consider other avenues to advance our agenda,” Mapaila said.
Counterrevolutionary Movements and Media Manipulation
Mapaila raised concerns about international efforts to influence South Africa’s political trajectory, specifically referencing the Gdańsk meeting in Poland. He alleged that this gathering, attended by prominent South African leaders and journalists, was orchestrated to undermine the ANC and promote opposition parties under the guise of defending democracy.
“The meeting, convened by the European Solidarity Centre and funded by the Oppenheimer Foundation, was a coordinated effort to delegitimise the ANC and push a neoliberal agenda,” Mapaila claimed. He criticised the lack of media coverage on these activities, accusing the press of bias and selective reporting.
ICT Manipulation and Algorithmic Bias
Another alarming issue highlighted by Mapaila was the role of corporations in the ICT sector, which he accused of manipulating algorithms to shape public perception against the ANC. “Corporations in the ICT sector are playing a significant role in creating narratives that favour opposition parties. This is not a fair representation of our democracy,” he stated.
Resolutions and Strategic Direction
The congress will aim to adopt resolutions that address the challenges outlined by Mapaila. Key focus areas include:
1. Economic Transformation: Advocating for policies like prescribed assets and progressive taxation to redistribute wealth and reduce inequality.
2. Alliance Reconfiguration: Exploring the future of the tripartite alliance and the potential for independent electoral participation.
3. Corporate Accountability: Implementing measures to regulate political funding and reduce the influence of big capital in shaping government policies.
4. Strengthening the Working Class Agenda: Developing strategies to empower workers and marginalised communities through state-led interventions.
Public and Political Reactions
The media briefing has sparked widespread discussion among political analysts and the general public. While some have praised Mapaila’s candid critique of corporate influence, others question the feasibility of the SACP’s proposed policies. The congress is expected to draw significant attention, with outcomes that could reshape South Africa’s political and economic landscape.
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