The South African Communist Party (SACP) claims it removed African National Congress (ANC) national chairperson Gwede Mantashe from its Central Committee for repeatedly failing to attend meetings without submitting apologies. The procedural decision follows a constitutional rule mandating that Central Committee members attend meetings or provide formal excuses after missing three consecutive sessions. Speaking at a Johannesburg media briefing, SACP First Deputy General Secretary Madala Masuku clarified that Mantashe remains an SACP member but was removed from the committee to focus on his roles as ANC chairperson and Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
Masuku noted that Mantashe cited complex ANC commitments as the reason for his absences, but the lack of formal apologies prompted the enforcement of party rules. The SACP stressed that the decision reflects its commitment to collective responsibility. This move comes amid strained relations within the Tripartite Alliance, with the SACP planning to contest the 2026 local elections independently, criticising the ANC for undermining alliance equality. The ANC has warned that supporting rival parties could lead to disciplinary measures, underscoring growing tensions.
