President Cyril Ramaphosa recently made a call for unity among the African National Congress (ANC)’s alliance partners, the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), in order to secure a return to power for the ANC.
The call for unity was made at the ANC’s 112th anniversary celebration at Mbombela Stadium on January 13, 2024. President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of the alliance partners working together to strengthen the ANC’s position and ensure a successful outcome in the upcoming local government elections in 2026.
The idea of a united front among the ANC, SACP, and Cosatu is not new. It harkens back to the concept of a Government of National Unity (GNU) that was proposed during South Africa’s transition to democracy in the early 1990s. The aim of such a government would be to bring together different political forces to govern in the interests of the nation as a whole.
Solly Mapaila, the Second Deputy General Secretary of the SACP, has been vocal in his support for greater cooperation among the alliance partners. He has stressed the need for a renewed focus on the national democratic revolution and the principles of left-wing politics in order to address the challenges facing South Africa.
The alliance between the ANC, SACP, and Cosatu, known as the Tripartite Alliance, has historically played a significant role in South African politics. However, in recent years, there have been tensions and disagreements within the alliance, leading to questions about its future viability.
By calling for unity among the alliance partners, President Ramaphosa is signaling his commitment to strengthening the ANC’s position and ensuring its success in future elections. The upcoming local government elections in 2026 will be a crucial test for the alliance partners, as they seek to demonstrate their electoral independence and ability to govern effectively.
The alliance between the ANC, SACP, and Cosatu has been a cornerstone of South African politics for decades. By working together to address the challenges facing the country, the alliance partners can help to advance the goals of the national democratic revolution and promote social justice and economic equality for all South Africans.
