By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) General-Secretary, Solly Mapaila has labelled former uMkhonto Wesizwe members illdisciplined for endorsing a new political party under the same name.
Mapaila delivered a keynote address at the commemoration of the death of SACP Chairperson, Joe Slovo at the Avalon Cemetary in Soweto.
Mapaila told party members at the commemoration, that as the leaders within the tripartite alliance have denounced the move as attempts to divide the governing party.
He also denied the allegations of corruption within the communist party.
Mapaila says the party remains steadfast in its fight against corruption.
“The SACP has never approached any person to seek illegitimate funding. It is unacceptable for anyone to try and coopt us, the name of the SACP, into their gossip and shenanigans and associate us with corruption. We are not involved. We remain steadfast in our fight against corruption and we have seen the statement that has been issued by OUTA, for instance. We have also seen the statement, equally, the response by Minister Nzimande. I have contacted our national treasurer, to check even this funding that they are talking about yesterday, she said no, we don’t know such a person.”
Slovo, along with his wife Ruth First, were among the earliest members of the African National Congress’s (ANC) military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe.
His departure from South Africa in June 1963 marked the beginning of an external mission and a significant period in exile, primarily in Mozambique. This chapter, however, was marred by tragedy when Ruth First was killed in a parcel bomb explosion in Maputo in 1982.
His return from exile in 1990 signaled a crucial turning point. Not only did he participate in the negotiations that laid the groundwork for a new democratic government, but he also marked a significant transition in South Africa’s political landscape.
Meanwhile taking a swipe at the ANC’s leadership, Jacob Zuma said the ruling party shouldn’t only be concerned about losing votes, but must realise they’ve chosen the “wrong president.”
“You chose the wrong president, remove him so we can vote for the ANC,” Zuma said.
Zuma visited Mkhondo, Mpumalanga on Saturday to campaign for the recently formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
Convenor of the uMkhonto Wesizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA), Dan Hato has also threatened that there will be consequences for Zuma.
Whilst party leaders remain mum on the matter, Hato says there is work being done to remove Zuma from the ANC.
“For him to choose December 16th to make his announcement and want to detach uMkhonto Wesizwe from the African National Congress, it is opportunism of the highest order that we’ve never seen. It has never happened anywhere comrades that you become a member of another party and you go and vote for another party and it’s not going to happen on our watch.”
The ANC is expected to face fierce competition from the opposition parties Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, but smaller parties and independent candidates could be crucial in case of coalition negotiations.