African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has called on members of the South African Communist Party (SACP) to clarify their political allegiance following the SACP decision to contest elections independently.
In a series of statements on social media, Mbalula emphasized that the ANC is not expelling members of the SACP but is seeking clarity on who they will support in the upcoming elections.
Letters will be sent to affected members next week, requesting responses within 10 days.
“We will not chase Communists out of the ANC. The alliance is not broken,” Mbalula said. “But members need to tell us who they will campaign for. It’s a matter of practicality.”
The SACP, a longtime ally of the ANC within the tripartite alliance, announced its decision to contest elections independently, marking a significant shift in the political landscape.
Mbalula said the ANC was formally informed of the SACP decision and has been engaging with the party on the matter.
“This is not comparable to the MKP situation. The SACP decision was communicated to us formally, and we have been engaging with it.
The Zuma issue was a spontaneous disruption, but this is different,” Mbalula said, referring to the formation of the Mkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Party (MKP), which had contested elections in opposition to the ANC.
The ANC alliance with the SACP has been a cornerstone of South African politics for decades, but the Communist Party move to contest elections signals a potential shift in the dynamics of the partnership.
Mbalula reiterated that the ANC is not severing ties with the SACP but stressed the need for clarity on members’ political commitments.
The Secretary-General comments come amid broader discussions within the ANC about its Local Government Action Plan and efforts to address challenges facing municipalities across the country.
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