CAPE TOWN, Western Cape — ANC-SACP tensions have significantly deepened in the Western Cape after the South African Communist Party (SACP) launched a court interdict challenging the African National Congress’s decision to remove SACP Provincial Secretary Benson Ngqentsu from the Western Cape Provincial Legislature. The legal escalation marks a major fracture in the political alliance as the region prepares for the upcoming November elections.
The dispute centers on the abrupt dismissal of Ngqentsu and two other SACP councillors representing the Southern Cape, Overberg, and Garden Route regions. The removals were reportedly executed following allegations that the officials had crossed the floor to join another political party. However, the SACP has firmly rejected these claims, framing the expulsions as a politically motivated attack rather than a legitimate disciplinary measure.
Speaking at a press briefing, SACP Provincial Secretary Benson Ngqentsu condemned the dismissals, asserting that the affected members were removed solely due to their ideological convictions and unwavering commitment to the class struggle and socialism. He emphasized that the officials are not accused of corruption or entanglement in criminal networks, stating they did not “steal any sand.” Instead, Ngqentsu described the expulsion of communists from the legislature as a “badge of honor” for the party.
Ngqentsu highlighted a severe lack of due process, noting that the SACP’s leadership was not notified before the ANC leadership wrote directly to the legislative speakers to effect the removals. This procedural bypass has led the SACP to suspect a “potential nexus” between the Democratic Alliance (DA) political elite and factions within the ANC’s political elite, allegedly working in tandem to facilitate the expedited removal of communist representatives.
According to Ngqentsu, this maneuver ultimately serves the interests of “neo-liberal austerity forces” present in both the DA and within the broader body politics of the ANC. He warned that these factions are actively celebrating the removal of SACP members, anticipating an easier path in legislative committees without communist oversight.
Despite the removal, Ngqentsu affirmed his resolve to remain engaged in the legislative process. He confirmed his intention to attend the final legislative sitting before the recess on Thursday, vowing to witness the proceedings in whatever capacity permitted.
The court interdict now stands as a critical test of the tripartite alliance’s stability in the Western Cape, with the SACP signaling it will fiercely defend its members’ rights to hold office and advance socialist aspirations through the electoral platform.