Cape Town – ANC veteran Lindiwe Sisulu has called for black political parties to unite under a “black pact flag” to advance the country, rejecting the idea of an ANC coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
According to The Citizen, Sisulu argued that such a coalition would dishonor fallen struggle heroes and betray ANC voters.
She highlighted the ANC’s loss of 17% of its 2019 vote share in recent elections, necessitating coalition negotiations for the first time in 30 years.
Sisulu proposed unity among parties with a common history, like the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), emphasising shared struggles and goals.
“We come from the same stock. We don’t have the same policies, necessarily, but those are our people. We fought all our lives to make sure that black people can take their place alongside any other race in this country because this is our country.
“So we’re going to look at the merits and of course I’m not a deciding factor, I’m just indicating my own views of it. These are people with a common history with us, a common struggle with us. These are people who are not only our offspring, but they share the ghettos with us. I don’t know how many years afterwards, we’re still in the ghetto. Why don’t we try another strategy and say black people, we only have our shackles to lose,” Sisulu said during an interview with SABC.
She criticised the DA for its treatment of black leaders and warned that a coalition with the DA could hinder the nation’s healing process, potentially bringing about a “mini-apartheid.”
Sisulu urged ANC supporters to consider alliances with natural allies instead of former oppressors, advocating for a focus on black liberation and economic emancipation.
She offered to facilitate meetings among progressive black parties to negotiate common issues such as anti-corruption, Africanisation of laws, and restoration of state-owned entities.
However, according to EWN, the ANC in the Northern Cape has criticised Sisulu for her stance, saying that she failed to participate in electioneering efforts in the province.
The ANC’s NEC is meeting this week to discuss coalition options after failing to secure an outright majority nationally and in several provinces.
Northern Cape ANC secretary Deshi Ngxanga condemned Sisulu’s comments, highlighting her absence from election work, the report said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
