SACP courts Azapo and other left allies, signaling a potential shift from ANC alliance
via The Citizen13 min read
The South African Communist Party SACP is actively seeking new alliances within the left movement, a move interpreted as an effort to broaden its ideological base beyond its long-standing alliance with the African National Congress ANC. While the SACP maintains its autonomy and right to collaborate with other leftist parties, some analysts question the sustainability of this approach while remaining within the ANC-led alliance. The SACP has accused the ANC of betraying the working class by adopting neoliberal policies and embracing liberal and right-wing parties. Recently, the SACP invited the Azanian People鈥檚 Organisation Azapo to discuss consolidating the left, leading to an agreement to hold an SACP-initiated Conference of the Left from May 29-31. Azapo president Nelvis Qekema described the bilateral meeting as "historic and long overdue," emphasizing its focus on the working class. The conference aims for "political convergence" to unite left forces and address fragmentation, with plans to establish a Council of the Left for joint campaigns. Both parties noted that the democratic dispensation has not fulfilled the aspirations of the working class, citing entrenched poverty, inequality, and corruption, alongside the persistence of apartheid-era economic power structures. The conference is expected to include trade unions, community and civic formations, women and youth organizations, cooperatives, social movements, intellectuals, and various political organizations, though
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Some members of the Democratic Alliance DA are reportedly upset about the decision to remove former DA leader John Steenhuisen from his position as agriculture minister. The discontent stems from an alleged agreement between current DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen, where Steenhuisen would retain his ministerial role if he did not seek another term as party leader. Hill-Lewis has since written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, proposing Steenhuisen's replacement by Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister, with Steenhuisen moving to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Ramaphosa has not yet confirmed these changes. Some DA members claim they were not consulted on the reshuffle, with one source suggesting that Hill-Lewis's decision has exposed party divisions and that Steenhuisen feels "betrayed." Political analyst Prof Theo Neethling indicated that the move might be "pure DA damage control" due to Steenhuisen's handling of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which alienated many farmers. Hill-Lewis, however, stated his decision was made in the best interests of the DA and the government of national unity, prioritizing public and voter loyalty.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, stated she does not hold her father responsible for her expulsion from the MK party, instead blaming individuals surrounding the party's leadership. She made these comments at a media briefing on Sunday, following her and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela's expulsion from the party on Thursday. Zuma-Sambudla indicated she has not yet discussed the expulsion with her father but plans to do so next week. The party cited a series of actions, public statements, and activities by Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela as reasons for their removal. Zuma-Sambudla was accused of undermining party unity and promoting factional narratives, while Ndhlela was accused of unauthorized media briefings and misrepresenting party positions. Ndhlela claims that both his and Zuma's roles in the MK party were undermined and that he and Zuma-Sambudla will challenge their expulsions in the high court, asserting that no disciplinary hearing was held before their removal.
A Limpopo councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani, 44, was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit SIU investigator with R70,000 to disregard evidence in a corruption probe. The investigation concerns allegations of maladministration and corruption related to two tenders by the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Gumani reportedly approached three SIU investigators, offering R10,000 in cash as part of the bribe during a meeting in Mahikeng. The SIU, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Hawks, conducted an entrapment operation leading to Gumani's arrest. He faces corruption charges and appeared in the Molopo Magistrates' Court, with his case postponed to June 29, 2026, for a bail application. The SIU stated that its investigators maintain high integrity and that attempts to corrupt them will be met with legal action.