Relations between the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) have become strained, particularly in light of the ANC’s recent collaboration with the Democratic Alliance (DA) within the framework of the Government of National Unity (GNU). This growing tension was the focus of a high-level meeting on Sunday, 24 November, held at Luthuli House in Johannesburg, where ANC leaders, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, engaged with SACP representatives.
Dr. Alex Mashilo, a senior figure in the SACP, expressed strong disapproval of the ANC’s alliance with the DA, pointing to fundamental policy disagreements between the two parties. “The DA opposes many of our key policies, such as transformation in education, the National Health Insurance (NHI), and the National Minimum Wage,” Mashilo said. “There is a fundamental clash in material interests, and we do not share the same vision for South Africa’s future.”
Despite these deep-seated differences, Mashilo emphasized the SACP’s commitment to open and constructive discussions. “We are hopeful that these conversations will lead to a positive outcome,” he added, indicating the party’s desire to address the tensions through dialogue rather than division.
On the other hand, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri stressed the importance of unity within the alliance, particularly for the benefit of the country’s people. “As the oldest alliance in South Africa, it’s crucial that we maintain our unity for the sake of the nation’s progress,” Bhengu-Motsiri said. “We must work together to deliver basic services and create jobs, which our people desperately need.”
The meeting highlights the complex dynamics within the ruling alliance, as the ANC navigates its relationship with both the SACP and the DA. While tensions persist, the ANC is keen to reinforce its long-standing alliances and focus on governance objectives, such as job creation and service delivery, as part of its broader commitment to South Africa’s future.
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Relations between the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) have become strained, particularly in light of the ANC’s recent collaboration with the Democratic Alliance (DA) within the framework of the Government of National Unity (GNU). This growing tension was the focus of a high-level meeting on Sunday, 24 November, held at Luthuli House in Johannesburg, where ANC leaders, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, engaged with SACP representatives.
Dr. Alex Mashilo, a senior figure in the SACP, expressed strong disapproval of the ANC’s alliance with the DA, pointing to fundamental policy disagreements between the two parties. “The DA opposes many of our key policies, such as transformation in education, the National Health Insurance (NHI), and the National Minimum Wage,” Mashilo said. “There is a fundamental clash in material interests, and we do not share the same vision for South Africa’s future.
Despite these deep-seated differences, Mashilo emphasized the SACP’s commitment to open and constructive discussions. “We are hopeful that these conversations will lead to a positive outcome,” he added, indicating the party’s desire to address the tensions through dialogue rather than division.
On the other hand, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri stressed the importance of unity within the alliance, particularly for the benefit of the country’s people. “As the oldest alliance in South Africa, it’s crucial that we maintain our unity for the sake of the nation’s progress,” Bhengu-Motsiri said. “We must work together to deliver basic services and create jobs, which our people desperately need.”
The meeting highlights the complex dynamics within the ruling alliance, as the ANC navigates its relationship with both the SACP and the DA. While tensions persist, the ANC is keen to reinforce its long-standing alliances and focus on governance objectives, such as job creation and service delivery, as part of its broader commitment to South Africa’s future.
