The South African Communist Party in the Eastern Cape said that the disruptions and violence seen at the ANC's Eastern Cape conference this past weekend was a true reflection of the state of the ANC and the democratic revolution.
In a statement on Monday, the SACP congratulated the ANC for “having convened a successful 8th Provincial Conference under very difficult circumstances.”
SACP spokesperson, Siyabonga Mdodi, said however that they condemn the violence that took place in the conference and “wish all those who were injured a speedy recovery.”
At least eight people were injured when the ANC’s provincial conference descended into chaos with opposing party members hurling chairs and objects at each other.
A high court judge also dismissed an urgent application by a group of disgruntled ANC members who brought a legal challenge to nullify the conference outcome.
The regional race was won by Oscar Mabuyane who will lead the new Provincial Executive Committee after he ousted Phumulo Masualle for the province’s top spot.
“It is our firm view that the incident is a true reflection of the state of the African National Congress and that of our revolution. It is a call to the newly elected leadership to work tirelessly to unite the ANC and the movement in general,” said Mdodi.
“The newly elected leadership carries a much bigger responsibility going forward. Therefore, from the SACP standpoint, these outcomes should not be a cause for celebration but a deeper reflection and genuine commitment to reach out to all members of the ANC and combat the deep-seated factionalism,” Mdodi said.
“As we have always said, for the province to be relevant in national politics of the movement and the country our unity is not only necessary but desirable.”
Mdodi said the ANC-led alliance “should be preoccupied with growing and diversifying our economy as a response to the appalling socio-economic conditions the majority of the Eastern Cape populace is living under.”
“It has been revealed by the Statistics SA that majority of the people of the Eastern Cape leave under poverty,” said Mdodi.
He said for this “to be effectively done, we need to free the ANC and our government from the capture by the private interests and corrupt elements, this government must be captured by the people as a whole.”
Mdodi said that the SACP committed itself to working with the newly elected leadership of the ANC.
