The African National Congress (ANC) is optimistic that it will reach the desired agreement with members of its tripartite alliance, the South African Communist Party (SACP).
The party met the leadership of the SACP at the Luthuli House, Johannesburg, on Sunday to discuss ‘political developments’ as indicated on its statement on X.
This follows recent public spats between the SACP’s General Secretary Solly Mapaila and ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula regarding the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) involving the Democratic Alliance.
The ANC has defended the decision to get into bed with the DA after losing its majority after the May 29th general elections, but the SACP is still not sold to the idea.
The SACP spokesperson Dr Alex Mashilo reiterated their stance where the DA is concerned.
“When we campaigned in the May 2024 elections, they were critical of the Democratic Alliance, and there is nothing in common between the Communist Party and the DA,” Mashilo fielded media questions alongside the ANC spokesperson, Mahlengu Bhengu-Motsiri on the side-lines of the bilateral engagement.
He also added that the SACP doesn’t like how the DA is opposed to progressive policies like the National Health Insurance and Bela Act amongst others.
Mashilo said they will bring their views to the attention of the ANC during this meeting.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the ANC, Bhengu-Motsiri said the party remains intentional in bringing stability within all structures of the alliance.
“This alliance must work, it must ensure that we deliver basic services.
We are interested in the meeting underway because only a united progressive front can accelerate changes both in the provision of services and growing the economy,” explained Bhengu-Motsiri.
She also highlighted that they’re not deterred by the disagreements with the SACP, but what bothers them is the fact that they are taking place in the public domain.
Bhengu-Motsiri added that the outcomes of this engagement will be shared with the people in due course.
