SACP accuses 'big capital' of leading plot to reduce ANC support, force coalition govt

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Communist Party (SACP) has accused so-called “big capital” of leading a plot to reduce the African National Congress (ANC)’s majority and force it into a coalition government. 

The ANC received a dismal 40% at the recent general elections, losing its national majority for the first time in democratic history. 

The SACP is currently holding its 5th special national congress where it is set to reflect on the Government of National Unity (GNU) among other pressing matters.

The communist party has singled out the billionaire Oppenheimer family to be behind the effort to reduce the ANC’s electoral support. 

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Since the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) started publishing political donations in 2021 - the Oppenheimer family has donated about R100 million to several parties. 

SACP Secretary General Solly Mapaila said these parties are now in the GNU.

“Capital realising their profitability was not guaranteed and therefore they needed new role players, including role players in the country who were not dominant but if you bring the ANC down to below 50% you are able - as is now evidently said by the DA [Democratic Alliance].

“You can pair ANC to run government with the DA and therefore the profitability of capital would then be guaranteed. Just go and look at the Oppenheimer family’s contributions in these elections, the money they paid the DA, IFP [Inkatha Freedom Party], BOSA [Build One South Africa], ActionSA just so they can fight against the ANC.”

Despite this, Mapaila said the SACP has no intention of breaking its alliance with the ANC.