The SA Communist Party (SACP) has reiterated its strong disapproval of the Democratic Alliance's (DA) inclusion in the Government of National Unity (GNU), condemning it as a betrayal of the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Image: Motshwari Mofokeng
The South African Communist Party (SACP) in Limpopo has reaffirmed its commitment to contesting the 2026 local government elections independently, while also addressing the lingering issue of the VBS Mutual Bank scandal.
Following the party’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting last week, spokesperson Charley Nkadimeng emphasised the SACP's stance on entering the elections while warning that its members deployed in its alliance partner, the ANC, structures would be left to complete their tasks.
The party also stressed their determination to bring those responsible for the VBS scandal to justice.
According to Nkadimeng, the PEC was a culmination of a series of meetings and organisational activities undertaken by the party's districts, the Party Building Commission (PBC), and the Provincial Working Committee (PWC) since the SACP's 5th Special National Congress.
Regarding the VBS scandal, Nkadimeng said the party welcomes the recent court appearance and testimony of former VBS chairperson Tshifhiwa Matodzi. The SACP has been vocal in its demands for those involved in the scandal to be arrested and prosecuted.
"We urge the law enforcement agencies to expedite the process of bringing all those responsible for the VBS scandal to book," Nkadimeng said.
"The SACP will continue to support the victims of this heinous crime and will work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served."
In preparation for the 2026 local government elections, the SACP has reaffirmed its decision to contest the elections independently.
“The party has directed its branches and districts to sensitise communities around a Provincial Plan of Action, which will entail the launch of Red Brigades, appointment of election structures, and training of election coordinators,” Nkadimeng said.
The SACP has decided to allow some of its members who are currently deployed in ANC structures to complete their work "for now".
According to sources close to the party, the decision to let its members complete their work within the ANC was widely discussed in the meeting while sowing some divisions with some saying their members should be withdrawn from ANC structures while others opposed the idea.
“This decision, to let comrades like Buti Manamela to stay on in ANC structures, is seen as a strategic move to ensure that the party's interests are represented within the ANC-led alliance,” said the source.
However, he said some had seen the need for the same members to be withdrawn to start with the preparations for the elections for their own party.
The ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, could not be drawn to comment on the matter. However, Mbalula has maintained that his party was in continuous engagement with the SACP to continue working together as an alliance including in the upcoming local elections.
The PEC meeting also discussed other key issues, including the need to strengthen the alliance in the province, rebuild the party's structures, and address the nagging crisis of water security in the province.
"The SACP will continue to campaign against austerity and unnecessary VAT hikes. We demand a budget that can grow the economy and benefit workers and the poor,” Nkadimeng said.
mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za