馃嚳馃嚘South AfricaSouthern Africa
SACP will not instruct ministers to resign despite Mbalula's 'intimidation
via The Citizen5 min read
The South African Communist Party SACP has stated it will not direct its members to resign from government positions, despite escalating tensions with the African National Congress ANC. This decision comes after the SACP chose to contest elections independently for the first time in democratic South Africa. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula indicated that ANC members holding dual membership must choose which party to campaign for, threatening punishment for those who campaign for the SACP without declaring it. The SACP's spokesperson, Mbulelo Mandlana, described Mbalula's stance as "intimidation" and unacceptable, asserting that members are free to make their own decisions regarding campaigns as long as they adhere to electoral laws. Mandlana also stated that the SACP will not demand declarations from its members. The SACP maintains confidence in its electoral plans and will not backtrack on its decision to contest elections independently, despite concerns raised by some high-ranking ANC members about the SACP's funding and support. The historic relationship between the ANC and SACP, forming the tripartite alliance, dates back to the 1920s, but the SACP has accused the ANC of disrespecting the alliance and moving away from its core ideals, citing concerns about corruption and abuse of state power.
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The trial of 62 individuals accused in connection with the deadly July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal KZN has been postponed after several defendants were left without legal representation. The case resumed in the Durban High Court on Monday, July 20, 2026, but proceedings could not begin as attorneys for some accused withdrew. The court ordered the affected accused to apply for legal aid immediately. The National Prosecuting Authority NPA spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, stated that the State was ready to proceed with five witnesses available to testify. The matter has been postponed to July 27, 2026, for Legal Aid to provide an update on appointing legal representatives. The accused face charges including incitement to commit public violence, incitement to commit terrorism, conspiracy to commit public violence, conspiracy to commit murder, terrorism, sedition, and public violence. The July 2021 riots, which resulted in over 350 deaths in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, were triggered by the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court. The unrest led to the closure of shops and factories, with an estimated economic cost exceeding R50 billion. Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, former president Jacob Zuma's daughter, also faces charges of incitement to commit terrorism and public violence, to which she has pleaded not guilty. The State alleges she used her X account to incite violence and looting. A social media law expert testified in November that Zuma-Sambudla's posts w
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