Mbalula hits back at Mapaila as GNU spat intensifies

Mapaila has been a vocal critic of the ANC’s decision to work with the DA in a Government of National Unity – describing it as a threat to democracy.

The ANC and SACP are alliance partners, but their relationship has been strained since the ANC chose to work with the DA after the May 29 elections.

The SACP would have preferred alliances with parties such as the EFF and uMkhonto weSizwe Party, which align more closely with its ideals.

In a POPCRU meeting on Tuesday, Mapaila accused prominent ANC leaders, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, and Mbalula, of trying to silence his criticism of the DA’s inclusion in the GNU.

Briefing the media on Thursday, Mbalula said these continuous attacks appear to challenge the ANC leadership and target president President Cyril Ramaphosa.

"The ANC acknowledges the concerns raised by the South African Communist Party and reaffirms the value of our longstanding alliance within the tripartite alliance.

“However, we have noted the recent public statements by SACP General Secretary Comrade Solly Mapaila, which appear to challenge ANC leadership and particularly target President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“While the ANC respects the SACP as a key ally, we believe that differences within the alliance should be managed internally with the appropriate decorum, honouring our shared history and revolutionary principles,” said Mbalula.

Mbalula said that while the ANC cannot dictate the SACP’s attitude to the GNU, differences within the alliance should be managed internally.

"We remain committed to addressing differences constructively, following the example set by revolutionary leaders such as Comrade Chris Hani, who valued unity and strategic compromise in advancing the people’s interests.

“The ANC will meet with SACP leadership to clarify whether recent statements reflect the SACP’s official stance or personal views.

"Comrade Solly Mapaila seems to be attacking the ANC and isolating it, particularly its leadership and the president, in the realm of the enemy camp, not even the opponent. That is worrisome for the ANC," adds Mbalula.

He confirmed that the ANC would be meeting with the SACP to clarify whether Mapaila’s comments are official alliance views or his own.

"We are having a scheduled bilateral with the SACP, and we wish to not dictate its dissent on the GNU but the perpetual attacks and campaign to annihilate to a certain extent the leadership of the ANC and deface the face of the ANC leadership, led by the president, is worrisome."

 ALSO READ