By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President Paul Mashatile says they will meet with its alliance partner’s to discuss the way forward, following the SACP’s decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently.
Mashatile delivered a message of support on the third day of a special congress of the SACP at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.
The SACP’s special congress has taken place under the theme “Consolidate and Build a Powerful, Socialist Movement of the Workers and Poor”.
Mashatile said, the ANC remains committed to the alliance, as well as efforts to strengthen the party’s structures.
“We are rebuilding the ANC as part of the renewal programme. The SACP has also committed to supporting this process, “he said.
Responding to questions about strained relations, Mashatile admitted that the ANC’s formation of a government of national unity (GNU) had drawn criticism from alliance partners because they were not consulted in the processes.
“We acknowledge the criticism that consultations came late during the GNU process. We have since engaged with our partners to address their concerns,” he said.
Mashatile said the ANC’s National Executive Committee would meet once the SACP finished the congress.
“We’ll have a discussion because the National Executive Committee is meeting only next year,” said Mashatile, adding that the party would meet to discuss the implications since the parties had worked together under the banner of the Tripartite Alliance alongside the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu).
“If the SACP is going to contest separately, what does it mean for the alliance? But all we know is that the alliance must not break,” said Mashatile. “We have agreed that no matter what happens, we will continue to work in this alliance.”
Discussions must also include how the alliance would be reconfigured, said Mashatile, who added: “I’m sure all of you will say it’s long overdue.”
On Thursday, secretary general Solly Mapaila pointed to the lack of a reconfiguration in the alliance as a key reason for this decision, noting that the SACP could no longer continue to be sidelined in the face of internal struggles and external challenges.
Mapaila reiterated that the SACP remained committed to its relationship with the ANC, acknowledging that the primary ally in the fight for democracy and socialism would continue to play an important role.
The SACP and Cosatu have for years wanted a stronger role in their alliance with the ANC, which they have accused of ignoring their policy ideas to benefit the working class and failing to consult them on key decisions in government.