Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa used the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) commemoration of Joe Slovo’s legacy to address criticism of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and reaffirm the ANC’s commitment to the tripartite alliance with the SACP and COSATU.
The remembrance event, held on the 30th anniversary of Slovo’s passing, paid tribute to the revolutionary leader, highlighting his role in the fight against apartheid and his enduring legacy within South Africa’s liberation movement.
In a statement , ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri described Slovo as “a towering intellectual, disciplined revolutionary, and dedicated servant.” The ANC called on his principles to guide the party’s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate and serve the nation with integrity.
“The revolutionary spirit of Comrade Joe Slovo will forever guide our movement as we continue to transform South Africa into a nation where quality and human dignity are non-negotiable,” Bhengu-Motsiri added.
Alliance tensions on the GNU
Ramaphosa addressed growing tensions within the tripartite alliance following the ANC’s controversial decision to form the GNU with the Democratic Alliance (DA) after the 2024 elections. The SACP and COSATU have expressed strong opposition to the move, with the SACP going as far as to declare its intention to contest elections independently due to perceived failures to reconfigure the alliance.
Acknowledging the criticism, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of unity within the alliance, warning that divisions could weaken the National Democratic Movement.
“If we walk separately, we must then accept that state power is going to be diffused and will no longer reside in the mass democratic movement,” he said.
THE ANC PAYS TRIBUTE TO COMRADE JOE SLOVO#RememberingJoeSlovo#ANC113 pic.twitter.com/txVGDeevHp
— African National Congress (@MYANC) January 6, 2025
Learning from Slovo’s strategy
Ramaphosa invoked Slovo’s strategic thinking during the liberation struggle, particularly his role in adopting the sunset clause, which facilitated power-sharing with the National Party. He emphasized the need for the alliance to reassess the current political landscape and adapt tactical approaches.
“We must also be willing to listen to one another,” Ramaphosa urged. “The ANC must be willing and prepared to listen to comrades who are saying the GNU is a mistake. Similarly, every one of us must also listen to the path being taken, look out for the dangers, and make all of us alert to the dangers we are seeing.”
His remarks were seen as a call for introspection within the ANC and a conciliatory gesture towards the SACP, which has grown frustrated by what it perceives as a diminishing influence in government and alliance decision-making.
Slovo’s enduring legacy
The event, held under the theme of unity and reflection, underscored Joe Slovo’s contributions as a leader of the SACP and a commander of Umkhonto we Sizwe. His life remains a symbol of dedication to the principles of justice, equality, and the dignity of the working class.
As South Africa continues to navigate its complex political landscape, Ramaphosa’s speech underscored the critical role of unity within the alliance, echoing Slovo’s legacy of strategic collaboration and principled leadership.
SACP COMMEMORATES 30th ANNIVERSARY OF JOE SLOVO’S DEATH https://t.co/0PMyv9iII6
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) January 6, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
