By Thapelo Molefe
Claims that the African National Congress (ANC) stayed away from the Conference of the Left because of the participation of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former ANC and state president Jacob Zuma, surfaced during the second day of the gathering in Boksburg on Saturday.
Addressing delegates, Shosholoza Party representative Dr Ray Rasenthu suggested that opposition to the MK Party’s presence was behind the ANC’s decision not to participate in the conference.
“I’m told at the ANC, this is based on rumour comrades, it’s boycotting the comrades because they are objecting to the presence of certain political parties here,” Rasenthu said.
“I’m told they are not happy with the MK presence in this conference.”
The remarks come just days after ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula announced that the party would not attend the three-day conference, which has brought together left-wing political parties, trade unions, activists and community organisations at the Birchwood Hotel.
At the time, Mbalula described the conference as “a political project dressed in theoretical clothing” and rejected claims that it represented a genuine gathering of left-wing formations.
The MK Party is among the organisations participating in the conference alongside the Economic Freedom Fighters, Azapo, the Pan Africanist Congress and several socialist organisations.
Rasenthu raised the issue while questioning the absence of senior ANC leaders from the event.
“Has socialism failed? Where are the communists? Who in the left is left?” he asked delegates.
He specifically questioned the absence of Gwede Mantashe and Buti Manamela, saying that divisions within the left movement were becoming increasingly visible.
The Shosholoza Party leader also called on the MK Party to publicly distance itself from allegations linking it to the anti-illegal immigration “March and March” movement, warning that unresolved concerns could deepen tensions within the conference.
“We need an explanation from the MKP,” he said.
Despite those concerns, Rasenthu praised MK deputy president Tony Yengeni’s address to delegates on the opening day of the conference.
“I like the speech by Comrade Tony Yengeni yesterday. It represented what we need,” he said.
The conference, convened by the South African Communist Party and other left formations, is expected to conclude on Sunday.
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