Internal friction within the ANC alliance in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) played out at a recent alliance summit in Durban, where the SACP faced criticism over its stance on the government of national unity (GNU).
The ANC, alongside the South African Civic Organisation (Sanco) and Cosatu, convened last weekend to strategise a recovery from their dismal electoral performance in the province. However, the SACP’s vocal opposition to the GNU, which includes the DA, became a sticking point.
Sanco president Richard Mkhungo, who also serves as deputy minister of defence and military veterans, pulled no punches.
He accused the SACP of hindering progress and urged them to stop the “petty and destructive criticism”.
Mkhungo stated: “There’s no time for playing blame games. We must defend the GNU to our branches.” Tensions flared as Mkhungo revealed the reluctance of potential allies, the EFF and the MK Party.
“The EFF campaigned for our loss and won’t assist us in regaining power. The MK Party demanded we remove our president and squash court cases,” he disclosed.
SACP secretary-general Solly Mapaila stands firm in his denunciation of the GNU, labelling it a “sellout arrangement”. Mapaila advocates for alliances with the MK Party or EFF, distancing himself from the DA.
The SACP even boycotted the ANC’s 100-day GNU celebration. Deputy secretary Madala Masuku defended Mapaila, asserting: “He correctly led our stance against the right-wing coalition agreement.”
ANC eThekwini region secretary Musa Nciki acknowledged the SACP’s concerns about a lack of consultation. However, he urged them to align with the GNU, highlighting its similarities with the ANC’s founding principles.
“They now have a duty to explain its importance to the branches,” Nciki stated.
The ANC’s electoral debacle in KZN, contributing significantly to the national GDP, saw it plummet to a 17% vote share, a stark drop from the 54% it secured in 2019.
This devastating outcome has intensified the necessity for unity within the alliance if the party hopes to regain its former dominance.
As the ANC navigates these turbulent waters, the question remains: can the alliance fortify itself from within, or will internal discord continue to erode its foundational strength?
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the ANC cannot only reconcile its differences but also reclaim its political stronghold in KwaZulu-Natal.
