The South African Communist Party (SACP) has condemned the booing of its leaders by African National Congress (ANC) delegates at the Limpopo elective conference. SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila linked the incident to strained relations caused by the party's decision to contest elections independently. He highlighted ongoing hostility fueled by statements from senior ANC leaders.
An SACP representative faced boos from ANC delegates while delivering a message of support at the ANC's Limpopo elective conference. SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila condemned the incident, noting it as part of a pattern.
Mapaila stated that such conduct stems from utterances and actions by some senior alliance partners regarding the SACP's independent election bid. Relations within the tripartite alliance have been tense since the announcement.
"We have been booed several times, I have been booed in front of senior leaders of the ANC, and it is not a new thing," Mapaila said. "I think what is worrying is the statements of senior ANC leaders that are fuelling this hostility and belligerent attitudes towards the SACP as if it is the enemy, and it is not the case. Almost 99 per cent of our members belong to the ANC, so when you attack the SACP from the ANC side, you are attacking yourself, or you are attacking your own members."
Mapaila described the behaviour as concerning, particularly from the ANC, a key alliance partner.
