Former ANC president Thabo Mbeki has made a plea to the South African Communist Party (SACP) to actively engage in an upcoming national dialogue aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the working class. The SACP, however, remains steadfast in its pursuit of autonomy.
Mbeki’s call for collaboration among alliance partners was made at the SACP’s fifth special national congress held in Boksburg. The congress, attended by over 570 delegates representing 37,000 members nationwide, endorsed Mbeki’s proposal to mobilize grassroots participation in the dialogue scheduled for 2025.
The national dialogue, organized by a coalition of foundations associated with former anti-apartheid leaders, is set to involve political leaders, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens in discussions on critical issues such as poverty, unemployment, and racial inequality. The aim is to find solutions that will strengthen the democratic framework of the country.
Mbeki emphasized the importance of the SACP’s involvement in ensuring that the voices of the working class and marginalized communities are heard during the dialogue. He cautioned against the domination of discussions by other forces that may divert the agenda from the people’s aspirations.
While the SACP has expressed criticism towards the ANC, citing weaknesses in leadership, the party remains committed to pursuing autonomy and contesting future elections independently. The decision to contest the 2026 local government elections alone was reaffirmed at the congress, with the party’s resolutions emphasizing the need for working-class representation in local governance.
SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila highlighted the party’s determination to assert its independence and prioritize the interests of the working class. Despite potential backlash from some ANC members, Mapaila stressed that the SACP’s decision aims to strengthen the ANC by addressing internal challenges and ending the perceived abuse within the alliance.
Cosatu, the labor federation, also expressed support for the SACP’s decision to contest the municipal elections independently. Deputy president Mike Shingange criticized the ANC for sidelining alliance partners and failing to engage meaningfully with its allies. He emphasized the need for unity within the alliance to uphold the interests of the poor and working class.
In response to the criticisms, ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile acknowledged the need to rebuild unity within the alliance and restore trust among its members. He committed to ensuring that the alliance continues to represent the interests of the marginalized communities and working class.
The upcoming national dialogue presents an opportunity for collaboration and dialogue among alliance partners and various stakeholders to address the pressing challenges facing South Africa. It remains to be seen how the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently will impact the political landscape and the future of the alliance. The Importance of Self-Care
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