The South African Communist Party (SACP) has criticized the African National Congress (ANC) for declining to attend its upcoming Conference of the Left, describing the decision as opportunistic.
SACP Spokesperson Mbulelo Mandlana stated that the ANC’s position lacked consistency, particularly given its historical ties with leftist movements and political formations. He argued that if the ANC intends to uphold and take ownership of its history, it must apply its principles consistently.
According to Mandlana, the conference seeks to bring together a broad constituency from across the country. The ANC has declined the invitation, maintaining that it does not regard the initiative as aligned with leftist principles.
Mandlana clarified that the conference is not focused on examining the personal conduct of any individual. He emphasized that discussions should not be conflated with the record of a former head of state, noting that the event aims to engage a wider political constituency rather than center on specific personalities.
He further argued that the constituency represented by the MKP cannot be excluded from dialogue simply due to the personal record of the former ANC president. Mandlana warned that isolating the Communist Party and its allied forces would hinder meaningful conversation on important national matters.
“If we were to take that position, we would be doing what others are doing: self-isolating,” Mandlana said, urging inclusive engagement over political exclusion.
The SACP maintains that the Conference of the Left remains a platform for broad-based discussion on pressing issues facing the country.
