Manamela's appointment divides SACP

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa's appointment of SACP member Buti Manamela as minister of Higher Education and Training has apparently fueled the debate on whether the communist party should contest the 2026 local government elections independently of its long-time ally, the ANC. 

Manamela, a senior SACP member, has been deputy minister for the last two terms.

In response to his appointment this week, SACP spokesperson Mbulelo Mandlana welcomed the move, saying the appointment was an acknowledgement of Manamela’s contributions.

“The SACP remains committed to playing its role in the struggles taking place in the sector, including playing a critical role in the agenda of transformation, to promote access to education and to improve governance, manifesting in quality outcomes,” Mandlana said.

Ramaphosa's appointment of Manamela is seen by some as an olive branch extended to the SACP to reconsider its stance on contesting elections alone.

Mandlana said the party had not changed its stance from contesting next year's elections independently from the ANC.

However, a source within the SACP said that not all party structures across the country were in agreement with the decision to contest elections independently of the ANC. 

"We are one thing with the same ideals and focus. It's not all of us who think we should contest elections against the same party we have been partners with for decades… it does not make sense," a party source said.

Some within the party are considering alternative options if the SACP proceeds with its decision to contest elections independently.

In December 2024, it declared its intention to independently contest the 2026 local government elections. This decision was driven by the party's belief in the necessity of "working-class representation" across South Africa's economic, social, and political spheres.

The SACP decided to go at it alone amid tensions between itself  and ANC, particularly concerning the ANC's formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) with the DA.

Ramaphosa has previously raised concerns that the SACP's decision to contest elections could undermine the Tripartite Alliance and the national democratic movement.

"The SACP has been a strength behind the ANC; similarly, the ANC has been a pillar of strength to the SACP, and the two parties need each other… The two are like twins; separating them is to weaken our NDR," Ramaphosa said.

Cape Times