The South African Communist Party (SACP) has expressed support for its national chairman, Professor Blade Nzimande, who is also the Minister of Science and Innovation in the Government of National Unity.
This follows the SACP's decision to oppose the African National Congress (ANC)-led GNU and to contest the 2026 local elections independently.
Some people criticized the party's position and even said that the GNU leader should resign. They include Mr Nzimande and Deputy Minister of Finance Dr David Masondo.
SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila said SACP members should not leave government. He said Mr Nzimande was an independent thinker and there was no question of his credibility as a communist.
“As a senior figure in his own movement, he knows how to direct certain things primarily at the working class and poor, who the ANC cannot oppose. There shouldn't be. And people have to leave the government, no, there's nothing like that. We're still in alliance, but the ANC in the elections. We have the right to revoke that decision, which was adopted by the Central Committee, and in this case by the Parliament. After 22 years of engagement. We have been patient enough on this issue and will update our comrades on this issue of reconfiguring the alliance, to what extent it is.”
SACP leaders address media ahead of 5th Special National Conference
SACP 5th Special National Conference
