ANC and SACP to contest local elections separately, alliance strained
via The Citizen3 min read
The African National Congress ANC and the South African Communist Party SACP will not contest the upcoming local government elections as a united force. The SACP has decided to go it alone, despite attempts by the ANC to convince it otherwise. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula stated that any ANC members campaigning for or voting for the SACP will face severe consequences, emphasizing that members must choose between the two parties. Mbalula clarified that while the SACP's decision to contest separately is accepted, the ANC's constitution prohibits members from campaigning for another party. He maintained that the alliance itself remains intact, distinguishing this situation from the formation of Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe party. Political analysts suggest this development indicates a deepening strain within the ANC alliance. Dominic Maphaka, a political science and international relations expert from Unisa, believes the SACP is politically irrelevant and unlikely to gain significant electoral support, suggesting its standalone posture could further erode public trust in the ANC. Other analysts have previously indicated that while the SACP's move might fragment the ANC electorate, the SACP itself is unlikely to benefit substantially due to its limited voter support.
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Must ReadThe uMkhonto weSizwe Party MKP announced its intention to prioritize quality over cadre deployment when selecting mayoral candidates for the upcoming local government elections. Sibonelo Nomvalo, the party's secretary-general, stated that quality must supersede cadre deployment to avoid compromising service delivery, a pitfall he attributed to the ANC. Nomvalo emphasized that mayoral candidates must possess the ability to understand council reports, particularly those related to city budgets, highlighting the importance of experience, knowledge, and skills. He added that the party aims to deploy individuals who can effectively address the needs of the populace at the local government level. Regarding potential alliances, Nomvalo indicated that the MK Party would ideally collaborate with progressive, leftist parties following the elections. He also addressed and denied claims of factional battles within the party, despite recent suspensions of leaders, including the party's Chief Whip in parliament, Nthabiseng Mabatho Mokoena-Zondi, and previously the party's spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela. Nomvalo asserted that enforcing discipline is crucial for the organization's principles and to prevent anarchy.
The cash-strapped Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality in North West has had 13 vehicles seized by a sheriff due to an alleged unpaid R4 million contract with Vimtsire Protection & Security Services. This action follows a default judgment related to a security contract that was terminated early, with Vimtsire providing services between 2020 and 2023. The municipality disputes the R4 million claim, stating the outstanding amount is closer to R2 million. Municipal manager Lekgetho Mokgatlhe called the incident unfortunate, noting that the municipality plans to settle the R2 million debt in the first week of July after receiving its equitable share allocation. A source within the municipality indicated that the sheriff seized all available municipal cars, as many were inoperable. Odirile Selomo, a local SA National Civic Organisation leader, stated that the dispute originated from the municipality's demand for Vimtsire to pay R4 million for stolen cables under their supervision, which the company refused. Ramotshere Moiloa DA councillor Imaan Sayed Suliman commented that this setback is negatively impacting service delivery and maintenance operations.
Members of the Lusthof community, north of Pretoria, are mobilizing against farm attacks and murders following the killing of a farmer on Monday morning. Farm crime activist Petrus Sitho has urged for immediate intervention and invited residents and acting police minister Firoz Cachalia to a safety meeting on June 13 to discuss the ongoing violence. Tshwane district SA Police Service spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that police responded to a house robbery and murder at a smallholding in Hammanskraal, where a 69-year-old white male was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Preliminary investigations indicate that three male suspects entered the main house, tied up the deceased's brother, and then shot the farmer when he opened his room door. The suspects stole household and garden items, fleeing in a silver Volkswagen Passat. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing. AfriForum community safety spokesperson Jacques Broodryk highlighted the government's silence on the 10 farm attacks and related violent incidents reported in May, emphasizing that the high levels of violence necessitate recognizing farm attacks as a unique and serious crime. Broodryk noted that victims, including farm workers, have been assaulted, tied up, and shot, with several attacks thwarted by local security and community safety structures.
The MK party has reinforced its leadership structures in Mpumalanga and the North West province in preparation for the local government elections on November 4. Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo announced that Deputy President Tony Yengeni will serve as the provincial election convener in Mpumalanga, supported by Lindi Mtshali, Qiniso Cibane, Bonginkosi Khumalo, and 15 other regional leaders. In the North West, national organiser Aleck Nkuna, Nomsa Diamil Nkateko Mkhabela, and 17 regional leaders have been deployed. Nomvalo addressed concerns raised by the March and March movement on immigration, stating that while the party is not formally aligned with the movement, it supports citizens' constitutional right to peaceful protest. He emphasized that immigration to South Africa must adhere to legal parameters and that illegal immigrants should seek voluntary repatriation. The party's national officials also discussed parliamentary processes regarding accountability and oversight concerning President Cyril Ramaphosa and the impeachment committee on the Phala Phala saga, reaffirming that no public office bearer is above accountability and calling for Ramaphosa to vacate office. The MK party expressed reservations about the appointment of Makashule Gana as Chairperson of the impeachment committee. Additionally, the party voiced support for Iran's call for peace in Gaza, demanding an immediate end to violence and protection for civilians, and urged Israel to declare a ceasefire. I