By Johnathan Paoli
While maintaining the unity of the Tripartite Alliance, renewal and strengthening the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) were the main themes of Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s address to the SACP on Friday, he said the ANC respected the decision by the communists to contest the local government elections.
“We have taken note of the decision of the SACP to contest the local government election in 2026 on its own. The NEC (national executive committee) of the ANC will continue to reflect on this new development and its implications when it meets early next year.
“However, let me indicate that we respect your right to take this decision. Let us continue to work together to build a strong alliance,” Mashatile said.
There has been growing tension between the alliance partners over the formation of the GNU, especially the inclusion of the Democratic Alliance, which has been accused of pushing neoliberal policies that are counter to the NDR.
Mashatile said that while the formation of the GNU was not an ideal scenario, the objective reality suggested that it would assist the alliance to continue to advance the struggles to achieve a democratic society as envisioned in the Freedom Charter.
“There are some within the GNU who (are) doing everything in their power to reverse the gains of our revolution, but we remain steadfast in ensuring that we continue to implement the priorities of our manifesto that we presented to our people during the elections,” he told the SACP’s special national congress.
“We are equally aware that the successful implementation of the National Democratic Revolution hangs on the unity of the entire movement. We will therefore continue to fight for the unity of the alliance and the movement.”
Mashatile said the ANC was indebted to the SACP in facilitating its vision for change.
“The SACP has guided us in applying Marxist-Leninist principles to confront the apartheid regime’s policies and resolve contradictions in a post-apartheid South Africa.”
In its political report, the SACP said the current state of the NDR revealed stagnation and deviation from its revolutionary objectives, driven largely by neoliberal policies and internal fragmentation within the alliance.
It said a renewed strategy was essential to reinvigorate the working-class struggle for socialism and resist collaborationist tendencies that prioritised capital and reactionary forces.
The party held that the inclusion of the DA in the GNU marked a significant ideological shift, undermining the NDR’s principles. It stressed that the alignment reflected a pragmatic compromise among political elites that entrenched market-friendly solutions, perpetuated economic inequality and weakened the working-class movement.
“To reclaim the NDR and advance towards socialism, mass mobilisation and a bold, anti-neoliberal agenda are crucial. The SACP must champion a leftward shift, unify democratic forces, and articulate systemic change for economic and social emancipation rooted in people’s democracy and self-reliance,” the report reads.
Reflecting on the outcomes of the May elections, which saw the ANC lose its majority, Mashatile said it was a clear sign that the renewal of the movement could not be delayed.
He said that one of the key interventions decided on by the NEC was to introduce a foundation course for all members of the ANC, including the NEC itself.
“I agree with those that are saying as part renewal we must all rejoin the African National Congress. This process must be thorough so that there is clarity as to why individuals decide to be members of the African National Congress.”
The deputy president also paid homage to the fallen heroes of the liberation struggle, notably marking the 42nd anniversary of the 1982 Maseru massacre and highlighted the unresolved questions surrounding the assassination of Chris Hani.
Meanwhile, the Young Communist League under national secretary Mluleki Dlelanga emphasised the critical role of the youth in reshaping the country’s political future.
Acknowledging divisions within the league, he highlighted the necessity of reconfiguring the Tripartite Alliance.
Challenges such as youth disengagement, organisational disunity and a perceived shift away from revolutionary principles have led to calls for an unapologetically pro-poor, pro-youth and pro-women political platform.
The implementation of the National Health Insurance and a universal basic income grant were positioned as essential measures to address economic inequality, unemployment and youth disenfranchisement, he said.
Similarly, Cosatu 1st deputy president Mike Shingange underscored the alliance’s responsibility to address the NDR’s stagnation.
Shingange criticised the lack of clarity within alliance leadership, especially concerning the implementation of the NHI.
He advocated for greater collaboration among alliance members, emphasising the need to prioritise the interests of workers and marginalised communities.
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