THE LOWLY NEWSPAPERMAN: Ideologically blinkered SACP needs to drop socialist ‘isms’ to win over ANC-weary voters
Heading into the November municipal elections, the South African Communist Party’s biggest drawback is likely to be its own ideological purism. It does not need to be ashamed of or hide its Marxist-Leninist leanings but it has to recognise that electability is the name of the game in politics.
As the South African Communist Party (SACP) prepares to compete in the upcoming municipal elections, a significant concern looms over the party: its staunch ideological adherence. While the SACP does not need to downplay its Marxist-Leninist roots, it must acknowledge the importance of electability in the world of politics. In the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union and its satellite states, South African communist leader Joe Slovo provided a glimmer of hope for the party's ideological purists.
His article "Has Socialism Failed?" offered a critique of the ideological shortcomings within communist and socialist parties around the world, arguing that socialism had not failed, merely been poorly executed. The SACP, one of the few communist parties in a time when many saw it as a viable alternative to capitalist exploitation that fueled apartheid, became a beacon for global left-wing sympathizers.
The party's popularity soared, with rallies packed with supporters from various walks of life. However, as the ANC transitioned to becoming a more establishment party, the SACP members began to feel alienated, particularly when the ANC adopted neoliberal economic policies. This ideological clash culminated in the SACP's decision to field its own candidates during by-elections, with mixed results.
The tipping point came when the ANC chose the Democratic Alliance as its primary coalition partner after the 2024 general election. The SACP, feeling increasingly marginalized, sees its upcoming November elections as a crucial test to prove its worth in the political arena. Although the move is risky, given the weakened public image and organizational capacity of the party, it remains a necessary step in the long-term pursuit of a more equitable society.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
