THE SA Communist Party (SACP) in Gauteng is calling for unity in the ANC ahead of the governing party’s provincial congress, scheduled to take place in June.
The SACP held its lekgotla over the weekend and said it had noted with dismay the level of factionalism, anarchy and political infighting taking place in Gauteng ahead of the provincial congress.
“The divisive demons of factionalism and the slate market are already in full swing as the ANC prepares for its provincial conferences, particularly in our province of Gauteng,” said the party in a statement on Wednesday.
The battle to replace Gauteng ANC chairperson David Makhura has intensified after he publicly stated that he will not be seeking another term to lead the party in the province.
Current provincial deputy chair and Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi and ANC Gauteng provincial executive committee member and Human Settlements, Urban Planning, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Lebogang Maile will yet again challenge one another to be elected to the top position.
The ANC’s national working committee recently raised concerns about the slow pace of progress in Gauteng.
More than 70% of ANC branches are yet to hold branch general meetings as a precondition for the provincial conference.
The party said while the SACP does not intend to enter factional battles of the ANC, it has a revolutionary duty and responsibility to thoroughly analyse and “fully comprehend the political and ideological tendency these factions represent and their implications for the NDR and the unity of the Alliance.”
The party said it was deeply concerned by the factions called “Adiwele”, “Makariki” and “The Renewal” groupings within ANC Gauteng which are threatening the unity of the governing party ahead of its conference.
“With this background in mind, the PEC Lekgotla resolved that the ANC, as our primary political Alliance partner, should be engaged on the true implications and dangers of the factional and slate season already in full swing in the province,” the party said.
“If these divisive tendencies are left unchecked and to their own devices, they are likely to plunge the entire revolutionary project into further and unimaginable crises.”
- Inside Politics
