Thabiso Goba7 January 2025 | 6:45

Ramaphosa calls on SACP to honour Joe Slovo's legacy by strengthening alliance

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa said the SACP’s unhappiness with the Government of National Unity (GNU) should not lead it to abandon the ANC.

Ramaphosa calls on SACP to honour Joe Slovo's legacy by strengthening alliance

ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa, honours the life and legacy of Joe Slovo at the 30th annual Joe Slovo commemoration in Soweto. Picture: @MyANC/X

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has called on the South African Communist Party (SACP) to honour the legacy of Joe Slovo by strengthening the alliance. 

The relationship between the two parties has been strained after the ANC formed a coalition government including the Democratic Alliance (DA).

READ: ANC warns SACP against forming splinter group that will weaken alliance

This has ultimately led to the SACP resolving to contest the upcoming 2026 local government elections alone.

On Monday, the SACP held its annual Joe Slovo memorial event at the Avalon Cemetery in Soweto.

READ: SACP commemorates 30 years since Joe Slovo's passing, says he would've wanted 'bigger, better RDP houses'

ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, says the late Joe Slovo was a master tactician who adapted to changing conditions. 

Slovo is credited for negotiating the sunset clauses between the ANC and the National Party, which ensured a smooth transition from apartheid to democracy. 

Ramaphosa said the SACP’s unhappiness with the Government of National Unity (GNU) should not lead it to abandon the ANC.

“Let us remember Joe Slovo. Joe Slovo stood for a strong alliance. Despite the challenges and difficulties. He wanted to see an alliance that is strong.”

Ramaphosa has committed the ANC to reconfiguring the terms of the alliance.