Gauteng Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson, Panyaza Lesufi has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to enact the final clauses of BELA Act.
“If (BELA) fails, there is no way the agenda of NHI will succeed because the enemy would have tasted blood,” he said
In a vibrant show of solidarity and dissent, the South African Communist Party (SACP) kicked off its 5th Special National Congress at the Birchwood Hotel on Thursday, drawing an enthusiastic crowd that resonated with chants of “Asiyifuni iGNU.”
The gathering highlights a significant shift as the SACP prepares to contest the upcoming local government elections independently from its long-time ally, the African National Congress (ANC).
Among the notable attendees was Gauteng ANC chairperson and provincial Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, who delivered a passionate address alongside senior ANC figures including Deputy President Paul Mashatile and former leaders such as Thabo Mbeki and Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
Lesufi’s speech revealed the political tensions brewing within the alliance, particularly regarding the role of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Reflecting on his experiences, Lesufi stated, “When we established the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) without that other political party, we were attacked and insulted but the SACP stood with us. Today, we want to come here and say thank you.”
His words encapsulated the prevailing sentiment that both his leadership and the SACP have faced ridicule for resisting DA influence in provincial matters.
The Gauteng Premier's comments extended to the contentious Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, where he vehemently opposed any form of discrimination based on race or language, insisting that “never and never again” shall a child’s access to education be compromised by such prejudices.
He urged the SACP to rally support for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s implementation of the BELA Act, further solidifying the party's commitment to advancing socio-political equity.
However, echoes of discord were heard in the remarks of SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila, who openly chastised the ANC for undermining its alliance partners. “The arrogance of the people that we were trying to accommodate... shows that they are not prepared to treat us as human beings or even as equals,” he exclaimed, directly referencing the ANC’s dealings with the DA.
His remarks epitomise the frustration within the SACP, stemming from their exclusion from key dialogues in the GNU setup.
In a supporting statement, Mapaila confirmed the SACP’s decision to contest the elections independently, asserting that this move does not signify a departure from the alliance with ANC, Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), or the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).
He reiterated the party's stance on maintaining its independence within the alliance framework while expressing dissatisfaction over perceived inequalities.
“This thing that SACP deployees must leave government, no, there is nothing like that. We are still in alliance,” Mapaila clarified during a press briefing, countering narratives suggesting a total split.
He underscores that the SACP’s recent resolution to contest elections independently is a product of extensive deliberations within its central committee, highlighting the party's desire to reclaim its agency after two decades of engagement.
The three-day congress is poised to delve into the party's resolutions since the previous national congress and aims to outline strategies for the crucial 2026 Local Government Elections.
The Star
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