SACP Deputy-General Secretary Madala Masuku announces the party's decision to contest next year's local government elections independently. SABC News image
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has expressed skepticism about the African National Congress’s (ANC) ability to change its economic stance, with Deputy-General Secretary Madala Masuku stating that the party’s stance on key issues such as land and minerals has remained stagnant since the dawn of democracy.
Masuku’s comments come as the SACP has decided to contest next year’s local government elections independently, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
Speaking in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, Masuku emphasized that the ANC’s economic policies are constrained by the existing system, which prevents meaningful progress on issues such as land redistribution and mineral wealth sharing.
“The ANC’s inability to address these issues is a clear indication that they are beholden to the interests of the powerful elite,” Masuku said.
Ramaphosa Urge ANC Members To Prevent Factionalism
Meanwhile, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged party members to take steps to prevent the organization’s disintegration, emphasizing the need to eradicate factionalism within the party.
Ramaphosa’s call comes as the ANC prepares for its 120-year celebration, and amid concerns about the party’s internal divisions and declining popularity.
SACP To Contest Election For The First Time
The SACP’s decision to contest the elections alone is seen as a significant blow to the ANC, which has traditionally relied on its alliance partners for support.
Masuku’s comments are likely to further strain relations between the SACP and the ANC, which have been increasingly tense in recent years.
The SACP’s move is also seen as a bid to assert its independence and promote a more radical economic agenda, which prioritizes the needs of the working class and the poor.
The ANC’s National General Council (NGC) is a critical platform for the party to take stock of its progress and chart a way forward.
Ramaphosa’s speech emphasized the need for the party to recommit itself to its core values and principles, and to work towards building a more united and effective organization.
The SACP’s decision to go it alone in the elections is likely to have significant implications for the country’s politics, and could potentially pave the way for new alliances and configurations.
As the country gears up for next year’s local government elections, the SACP’s move is likely to inject new energy and competition into the electoral landscape.
The outcome of the elections is far from certain, and will depend on a range of factors, including the ANC’s ability to address its internal divisions and reconnect with its grassroots supporters.
The SACP’s decision to contest the elections alone marks a significant turning point in South African politics, and is likely to have far-reaching implications for the country’s future.
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