SACP’s Solly Mapaila: Ramaphosa “Contaminated by Scandals, Unfit for Renewal”
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The South African Communist Party (SACP) has once again expressed critical views about the African National Congress (ANC) and its alliance, with SACP leader Solly Mapaila pointing out President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership challenges. In a recent podcast episode of Sunday World Engage, Mapaila voiced strong opinions about the ANC’s current trajectory, the government’s neoliberal policies, and what he perceives as the erosion of the liberation movement’s original values and mission.
The SACP’s concerns with the ANC’s policies and alliances have escalated, especially in the context of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Mapaila argues that the ANC has shifted towards neoliberal policies that ultimately serve capitalist interests rather than addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Additionally, he argued that the recent alliance with the Democratic Alliance (DA) was a strategic error, one that has weakened the ANC’s ability to stand as a liberation movement dedicated to the people.
One of Mapaila’s most pointed critiques was directed at Ramaphosa himself, whom he described as “contaminated by scandals” and therefore unfit to lead a renewal project within the ANC. In particular, Mapaila questioned the President’s ability to bring meaningful change, citing the Phala Phala scandal as a significant blow to Ramaphosa’s credibility. “After the parliamentary report on Phala Phala, I was asked whether this president can represent any sense of renewal. I said no—it’s not possible because he is heavily contaminated by scandals.”
Throughout the discussion, Mapaila reiterated the SACP’s commitment to the alliance with the ANC but suggested that the relationship is under strain, with significant disagreements on policy and direction. He criticised the lack of consultation with SACP and other alliance partners, particularly regarding major decisions like the GNU. The alignment with the DA, Mapaila noted, directly opposes the SACP’s ideological stance against capitalism and neoliberalism, making the SACP increasingly vocal in its dissatisfaction.
ANC’s Alliance with the DA: A Counterrevolutionary Move?
For Mapaila, the ANC’s recent collaboration with the DA represents a betrayal of the ANC’s founding principles. He has often described this alliance as counterrevolutionary, pointing out that it empowers capitalist forces that have historically opposed the liberation movement. According to Mapaila, the ANC’s shift towards working with the DA stems from elite interests rather than a commitment to the broader ANC constituency, who face ongoing socio-economic hardships.
This collaboration with the DA, as Mapaila argued, is an indication that the ANC has lost its revolutionary path. He stated, “It’s not just about reaching across the aisle for political convenience; it’s about allowing forces that represent capital and imperialism into the core of decision-making processes. This should be alarming for anyone who believes in the principles of liberation.”
The DA’s influence, according to Mapaila, is already shaping policies to be more favourable to private sector interests. He cited the party’s attempts to halt the National Health Insurance (NHI) rollout as an example of neoliberal forces undermining initiatives meant to benefit the poor. “The NHI represents an essential step towards healthcare equality in South Africa,” said Mapaila, “yet the DA’s victory in influencing its delay is a testament to the strength of capital in shaping government policy.”
Reaffirming the SACP’s Role in the Alliance
Mapaila emphasised the SACP’s historical role as an ally to the ANC, fighting for the rights of the working class and advocating for a fair and just society. However, he also made it clear that the SACP’s position is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain within the alliance, given the ANC’s recent direction. The SACP, he warned, would not remain silent in the face of what he described as a growing neoliberal agenda within the government.
In particular, he addressed criticisms that the SACP should withdraw from the alliance due to ideological differences. Mapaila defended the decision to remain aligned with the ANC, emphasising the importance of unity among liberation forces. “Our relationship with the ANC is built on decades of shared struggle, and that is not something we walk away from easily. However, we also cannot ignore the impact of neoliberal forces within the party and government.”
The SACP’s ongoing support for the ANC is rooted in a desire to influence the ANC from within, ensuring that the interests of the working class are not overlooked. However, Mapaila admitted that the SACP has its limits. “The SACP is not here to rubber-stamp decisions that betray the principles of the National Democratic Revolution. We will remain critical, and we will hold the ANC accountable, especially when its decisions are not in the interest of the majority.”
Critique of Neoliberal Economic Policies
One of the SACP’s primary concerns is the ANC’s shift towards neoliberal economic policies, which Mapaila argues are exacerbating South Africa’s socio-economic issues. The current policies, he stated, primarily benefit capitalist interests while leaving the working class and the unemployed struggling.
Mapaila highlighted several instances where the government prioritised capital over people. “The financialisation of the economy has allowed capital to maintain control, while the government has failed to address systemic poverty and inequality,” he argued. “When the ANC was supposed to be implementing policies to empower the people, it instead aligned with capitalist interests.”
For Mapaila, the battle against neoliberalism is not just about economic reform; it’s about the ideological integrity of the liberation movement. He argued that the ANC’s current direction represents a dangerous deviation from the goals of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), a strategy meant to promote social and economic justice in post-apartheid South Africa. By aligning with the DA and embracing neoliberal policies, Mapaila believes the ANC is undermining the NDR’s fundamental purpose.
Ramaphosa’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
Mapaila’s critique of Ramaphosa extended beyond policy concerns. He also questioned Ramaphosa’s moral authority to lead, given the ongoing controversies surrounding the President. The Phala Phala scandal, he said, is just one of many instances that illustrate a lack of transparency and accountability within Ramaphosa’s leadership.
For Mapaila, the issue is not just about individual scandals but about the broader implications for the ANC’s renewal project. “When we talk about renewal, we are talking about the moral and ethical standards needed to lead a true revolution. If the president himself is compromised, how can he possibly lead a renewal of the movement?”
Mapaila’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the SACP and other factions of the ANC that question Ramaphosa’s suitability as the leader of the liberation movement. However, he also expressed frustration that criticism of Ramaphosa is often misinterpreted as support for Jacob Zuma’s faction. “This isn’t about siding with one faction over another; it’s about holding our leaders to the standards they promised when they took office.”
Alternatives to the GNU and the Role of SACP
Amid these critiques, Mapaila suggested that there are alternative paths for the ANC that do not involve alignment with the DA. The SACP, he said, has proposed multiple strategies for addressing South Africa’s socio-economic challenges, including campaigns for land reform and financial sector transformation. These strategies focus on empowering South Africans rather than relying on foreign and capitalist interests.
Mapaila also mentioned the SACP’s willingness to work with other leftist forces, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the ANC’s MK Veteran Association. “Our position has always been that we should work with forces who share our vision for social justice. That does not mean we ignore ideological differences, but it does mean we are open to collaboration in the interests of the working class.”
The SACP has faced criticism from those who argue that working with the ANC is inconsistent with its socialist agenda, especially given the ANC’s alliance with the DA. However, Mapaila reiterated that the SACP is committed to the alliance for now, although it is not afraid to challenge the ANC on key issues.
The Path Forward
In closing, Mapaila emphasised that the SACP will continue to speak out against policies and alliances that do not serve the interests of the South African people. He called on the ANC to revisit its commitment to the NDR and make decisions that reflect the values of the liberation struggle.
“If we are to move forward, we need leaders who are not tainted by scandals, who are not controlled by capital, and who are genuinely committed to the people. Without this, we will continue to drift further from the ideals we fought for.”
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