ANC won’t prevent SACP from contesting elections: Mashatile

African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Paul Mashatile says they will not stand in the way of the South African Communist Party (SACP)’s wish to contest elections independently.

Speaking at the SACP’s 5th Special National Congress in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, he emphasizes that while they respect the party’s decision, it should not result in the break-up of the alliance.

The SACP is resolute on its decision to contest elections alone. It says this was a long time coming, but the straw that broke the camel’s back was the current form of government that sees its alliance partner, the ANC working with the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Now that the party has made up its mind to contest the elections, those attending the special national congress are tasked with dealing with the consequences of the decision.

Delivering his party’s message of support, Mashatile says the ANC was informed of the decision and expresses hope that this will not harm alliance relations.

ANC’s Paul Mashatile addresses SACP’s 5th Special National Congress: 

Inquest into Hani’s death

Meanwhile, days after Janusz Walus, the killer of former SACP leader Chris Hani, was deported to Poland, the communist party has called for an inquest into his death—an opinion shared by the ANC deputy president.

Hani was assassinated outside his home in 1993, at a tense moment in history, when the country was preparing for its first multiracial elections. Walus spent close to three decades in prison before being freed on parole in 2022.

Mashatile says an inquest into Hani’s death will assist the country to know the truth and bring closure to the Hani family.

After further deliberation on its election decision, the communist party will consolidate the members’ views on Saturday and share how the alliance will work going forward.