By Thabo Mosia
South African Communist Party (SACP) leader, Solly Mapaila, has labelled former President Jacob Zuma’s Mkhonto we Sizwe party (MK party) as a “counterrevolutionary” entity. In a recent interview on the Sunday World Engage podcast, Mapaila characterised Zuma’s newly established party as a direct challenge to the revolutionary ideals that the SACP, along with its allies, has long upheld. This bold statement has intensified the ongoing debate around South Africa’s political landscape, with Mapaila’s critical stance placing him firmly in opposition to both the ANC’s current alliances and the tactics of certain anti-ANC forces within the country.
In the podcast discussion, Mapaila did not hold back in describing what he sees as a problematic alliance between the ANC and forces aligned with neoliberalism, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), which he believes undermines South Africa’s liberation movement. He specifically criticised the ANC’s decision to collaborate with the DA within the Government of National Unity (GNU), calling it a betrayal of revolutionary principles. Mapaila’s critiques highlight the ideological schisms within South Africa’s political landscape, as various factions debate the path forward for the country and its people.
SACP’s Stance on the GNU and Alleged Neoliberal Agenda
Mapaila’s remarks underscore the SACP’s frustration with the ANC’s alliances, particularly its partnership with the DA. For the SACP, this coalition signals a capitulation to neoliberal forces that prioritise capital interests over the needs of the working class. According to Mapaila, the DA represents the forces of capitalism and imperialism in South Africa, which he deems fundamentally opposed to the values of the national democratic revolution. In his view, the DA’s influence within the GNU poses a serious threat to the historic gains achieved by the ANC-led liberation movement.
The SACP’s stance, as articulated by Mapaila, is that the GNU framework lacks legitimacy and has been implemented without the necessary consultation with alliance partners. Mapaila’s commentary on this issue reflects a broader sentiment among SACP members, who feel that their party has been sidelined in crucial decision-making processes. Despite being part of the Tripartite Alliance, which includes the ANC and COSATU, the SACP has often found itself at odds with the ANC’s policy directions, especially those perceived as accommodating capital interests.
Criticism of President Cyril Ramaphosa and His Leadership
Mapaila also questioned President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ability to lead South Africa’s revolutionary movement, citing the President’s entanglement in scandals, including the controversial “Phala Phala” matter, which involved allegations of undisclosed foreign currency being stored at Ramaphosa’s private game farm. According to Mapaila, these controversies undermine Ramaphosa’s moral authority and hinder his ability to embody the ideals of renewal that the ANC has pledged to uphold.
Mapaila’s doubts about Ramaphosa’s leadership point to a significant internal conflict within the ANC and its allies. For the SACP, the ANC’s renewal efforts must be led by a figure untainted by scandal and committed to transformative policies that address South Africa’s socio-economic issues. Ramaphosa’s connections to business interests and his purported alignment with neoliberal policies have made him a contentious figure within the alliance, with some seeing his presidency as a departure from the ANC’s foundational principles.
ANC’s Economic Policies Under Scrutiny
One of the central issues raised by Mapaila is the ANC’s economic strategy, which he argues continues to align with neoliberal principles that exacerbate inequality. According to Mapaila, the ANC’s policies have led to the “financialization” of South Africa’s economy, allowing private capital to dominate while the state plays a diminished role in service provision. He emphasised the need for a more transformative approach, advocating for policies that address the structural issues underlying poverty and unemployment in South Africa.
The SACP’s criticism of the ANC’s economic policies is not new, but Mapaila’s recent comments underscore the urgency of these concerns. He argues that the current economic trajectory prioritises the interests of big business at the expense of the working class. For Mapaila, the ANC’s alliance with the DA further entrenches these neoliberal policies, creating an economic environment where the wealth gap continues to widen, leaving the majority of South Africans in poverty.
Allegations of a “Counterrevolutionary” Offensive
Mapaila’s designation of Zuma’s MK party as “counterrevolutionary” has sparked considerable debate. He argues that the MK party represents an internal threat to the ANC’s revolutionary ideals, positioning it as an adversary within the broader liberation movement. While the MK party is led by figures with deep roots in the ANC’s history, Mapaila maintains that its formation is a deliberate attempt to undermine the ANC’s role as the leading force in South Africa’s struggle for equality and justice.
This characterisation reflects the broader ideological battle within the ANC and its allies. The establishment of the MK party has introduced a new dimension to the political landscape, drawing support from individuals disillusioned with the ANC’s current direction. Mapaila’s critique positions the SACP as a staunch defender of revolutionary values, while framing the MK party as a disruptive force that could divert attention from the core issues facing South Africa’s working class.
The ANC’s Relationship with Private Capital
Mapaila’s comments also reflect the SACP’s longstanding criticism of the ANC’s relationship with private capital, particularly the influence of powerful business interests on government policy. He cited the donations received by the ANC from prominent capitalist figures, such as the Oppenheimer family, as evidence of the ANC’s compromised position. For the SACP, these financial contributions represent a form of corporate capture that limits the ANC’s ability to act in the interests of the working class.
The SACP’s stance highlights a fundamental conflict within the ANC-led alliance: the tension between the party’s liberation ideals and its reliance on financial support from private capital. Mapaila contends that this relationship has compromised the ANC’s ability to pursue genuinely transformative policies, as the party is beholden to the interests of its donors. This dynamic, he argues, has prevented the ANC from addressing the systemic inequalities that continue to plague South African society.
Potential for SACP to Exit the Alliance
Given the SACP’s disillusionment with the ANC’s current trajectory, there has been speculation about the possibility of the SACP contesting future elections independently. Mapaila indicated that the SACP has repeatedly called for a reconfiguration of the alliance to ensure that its members are not held accountable for policies that contradict their principles. Despite these calls, the ANC has been slow to implement meaningful changes, leading some within the SACP to question the viability of the alliance.
The SACP’s potential departure from the alliance would mark a significant shift in South African politics, as the party has been a key ally of the ANC since the liberation struggle. An independent SACP could appeal to voters disillusioned with the ANC’s perceived alignment with neoliberalism, potentially reshaping the political landscape. However, such a move would also carry risks, as the SACP would need to build a distinct political identity outside of the alliance framework.
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