ANC-SACP rift widens

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) and its ideological ally, the South African Communist Party (SACP), have deepened their rift, with SACP leaders accusing the ANC of betraying the ideals of the anti-apartheid struggle. At the close of the three-day Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) central executive committee (CEC) meeting in Boksburg, SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila lambasted the ANC for embracing neoliberal economic policies, allowing capital to dominate state institutions, and failing to address high unemployment rates. His remarks were echoed by Cosatu president Zingiswa Lose and Popcru leader Thulani Ngwenya, who described the ANC's actions as a reversal of the progress made during the liberation era. The tensions within the Tripartite Alliance, comprising the ANC, SACP, and COSATU, are intensifying ahead of the November local government elections. Political analyst Dale McKinley dismissed the current crisis as a recurring pattern, comparing the SACP-ANC dynamic to a “merry-go-round.” He noted that the SACP has repeatedly criticized the ANC over the past decade without leading to meaningful change. According to McKinley, the SACP’s reluctance to fully sever ties with the ANC stems from its dependence on the party for political relevance and economic survival. “The SACP has to try to appear to be ideologically consistent with its own rhetoric,” he said, highlighting the party’s ongoing struggle to balance criticism with strategic alignment. Mapaila accused the ANC of allowing the state to serve as a tool for capitalist interests, claiming that the ruling party has failed to uphold the principles of the national democratic revolution (NDR). He argued that the ANC’s embrace of neoliberalism has entrenched inequality and weakened the working class. “No one in the ANC can say this is not true,” Mapaila stated, emphasizing that the alliance’s failure to challenge capitalist domination represents a betrayal of the liberation movement. He warned that the growing dominance of a “neoliberal bloc” and “reactionary capitalist class” poses a serious threat to the NDR’s goals. McKinley predicted that the ANC’s performance in the upcoming elections will continue to suffer due to public dissatisfaction with its governance and corruption scandals. While the ANC is likely to retain control in rural areas such as Limpopo and Mpumalanga, it faces significant challenges in urban centers like Johannesburg and Durban. “People are simply angry,” McKinley said, noting that the lack of viable alternatives leaves voters with few options despite widespread disillusionment. He suggested that the ANC might form coalitions in metropolitan regions to counter opposition parties, though he doubted the party’s ability to recover its former strength. During the Popcru meeting, Mapaila acknowledged the ANC’s partial success in achieving “nominal political liberation” but stressed that the real battle lies in dismantling the power structures that favor capital over labor. He called for urgent reforms to prevent the state from becoming a vehicle for corporate interests. “This reactionary capitalist class and this neoliberal bloc must be confronted,” he declared, drawing sharp criticism from attendees. The comments sparked loud applause from Popcru delegates, indicating broad support for Mapaila’s stance. As the election campaign approaches, the SACP’s internal debate over its relationship with the ANC continues to unfold. While some members advocate for greater independence, others remain committed to maintaining the alliance. McKinley pointed out that the SACP’s hesitation to break away reflects deeper structural issues within the party, including its reliance on the ANC for electoral viability. With the political landscape shifting rapidly, the coming weeks will determine whether the SACP takes decisive action or continues to navigate the complexities of its alliance with the ANC.