South African Communist Party (SACP) national chairperson Blade Nzimande has firmly stated that he will not step down from his Cabinet role despite the SACP’s opposition to the government of national unity (GNU).
Nzimande clarified that his position in the Cabinet stems from his deployment by the African National Congress (ANC), not the SACP, and he remains committed to fulfilling his duties within that framework.
SACP Opposition to Coalition Politics
The SACP has been vocal about its stance against any coalition between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA), citing ideological differences. Nzimande echoed these concerns, emphasizing the incompatibility of the SACP’s socialist principles with the DA’s neoliberal policies.
Despite this opposition, Nzimande believes his Cabinet role does not conflict with his allegiance to the SACP. “In the GNU, I do the work I am given by the ANC because I am deployed by the ANC, not the SACP, and I do it to the best of my ability,” he said.
He pointed to historical precedents to explain his position. For instance, when the ANC adopted the Growth, Employment, and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy in 1996, the SACP opposed the policy but continued to participate in government.
Balancing Party Ideologies with Governance
Nzimande highlighted how the SACP had influenced the GEAR policy to include provisions for inclusive growth, benefiting broader society rather than a wealthy minority. “We stood by our position, although we were in government. Growth does not translate into benefits for everyone; it can benefit a minority, which is why we advocated for inclusive growth,” he explained.
As the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet, Nzimande acknowledged the challenges posed by the ANC’s alliance with the DA in the GNU. He described it as a setback for the broader goals of the revolution but maintained his commitment to advancing initiatives that benefit the working class and marginalized communities.
Key Policy Initiatives: NHI and Bela Act
Nzimande and SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila emphasized the importance of implementing policies like the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Act, which they view as critical to improving the lives of the poor.
The Bela Act, which includes controversial clauses related to school language policies and governance, has faced resistance from some quarters. Nzimande criticized Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube for negotiating with Solidarity, a group representing a minority of Afrikaans speakers, to exclude these clauses.
“Solidarity represents a tiny section of the Afrikaans-speaking people,” Nzimande asserted, rejecting the compromise. He insisted that the Bela Act must be fully implemented, alongside the NHI, as part of the SACP’s broader campaign to promote social equity.
Mapaila also emphasized the historical roots of the NHI within the SACP’s policy agenda, tracing it back to the tenure of former Health Minister Dr. Manto Tshabalala-Msimang. “The NHI has been a cornerstone of our campaign for universal healthcare, and we will ensure its implementation along with clauses 4 and 5 of the Bela Act,” Mapaila said.
Upcoming SACP Conference and Alliance Discussions
The four-day SACP national conference will see prominent ANC leaders address delegates on key issues. Gauteng Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson Panyaza Lesufi is set to speak on Thursday, followed by ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Friday.
The conference will likely provide a platform to discuss the alliance’s challenges, including tensions within the GNU and the path forward for implementing progressive policies.
A Balancing Act for Nzimande
Nzimande’s position underscores the delicate balance between party loyalty and governance responsibilities. While the SACP remains critical of the GNU and its ideological implications, Nzimande continues to navigate his Cabinet role as an ANC deployee.
His stance reflects the complexities of coalition politics and the broader challenges of advancing a socialist agenda within a government framework shaped by competing interests. As the SACP pushes for policies like the NHI and Bela Act, Nzimande’s role as both an ANC minister and a senior SACP figure will remain under scrutiny.
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