The South African Communist Party (SACP) general secretary, Solly Mapaila, has accused ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe of dishonesty over claims that the SACP did not oppose the ANC’s collaboration with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Speaking on Politricking with Tshidi Madia, Mapaila dismissed Mantashe’s statements on eNCA’s Truth to Power as “absolute nonsense and disrespectful.” He asserted that the SACP had consistently criticized the inclusion of the DA in the GNU, warning of its implications for the ANC and its alliance partners.
“The DA is a party of capital, a party of oppression, a party of the colonial masters,” Mapaila said. “How can a leader at that level even conflate this?”
Mantashe had previously expressed suspicion over the SACP’s anger regarding coalition arrangements, suggesting it was inconsistent with the party’s historical positions. Mapaila, however, countered these claims, insisting that the SACP had been vocal in its opposition to the ANC’s engagement with the DA and that the matter had already been addressed internally.
He further rejected suggestions that the SACP sought to align the ANC with parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, calling such allegations baseless.
“The EFF and MK Party are mere adversaries of the ANC. They cannot even transform a village,” Mapaila stated, emphasizing the fundamental ideological differences between these groups and the SACP.
The SACP’s dissatisfaction with the ANC’s handling of the GNU process is set to feature prominently at its 5th special national congress, which begins on Wednesday. The party has accused the ANC of failing to consult its alliance partners adequately during coalition negotiations, further straining relations within the tripartite alliance.
This rift highlights deepening tensions over coalition politics and the strategic direction of South Africa’s governing party amid mounting criticism of its leadership and alliances.