Is this the end of SACP, ANC alliance?

The South African Communist Party (SACP) is at the center of political discussions in South Africa as questions about the future of their alliance with the African National Congress (ANC) arise. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Second Deputy General Secretary, Solly Mapaila, shed light on various issues facing the party and the country. The interview focused on the leaked intention to reshuffle the cabinet, particularly the fate of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, a member of the SACP. The SACP has been accused of being behind the leak, a claim they staunchly deny. Mapaila clarified that the SACP was consulted on the cabinet reshuffle but did not agree with the proposed changes. The discussions between the SACP and the ANC covered a wide range of issues, including governance, combating corruption, reconfiguring the alliance, and preventing the abuse of state organs for political purposes. The SACP stressed the importance of good governance and transparency, key pillars of their revolution. Regarding the speculation around Minister Gordhan's position, Mapaila emphasized that the SACP supports Gordhan not just because he's a member of the party, but for his leadership qualities and commitment to good governance. The SACP was only consulted on the finance minister and his deputy, not on the broader cabinet reshuffle. When asked about the possibility of SACP members resigning en masse if Minister Gordhan is removed, Mapaila explained that while the party does not have members in parliament, they have ANC members who also represent the SACP due to dual membership. The party does not have a formal position on resignations but will provide guidance if such a situation arises. The interview delved into the SACP's reservations about former Eskom CEO, Brian Molefe, potentially being appointed as finance minister. Mapaila cited concerns about Molefe's alleged involvement in state capture and emphasized the need for leadership free from corruption. Mapaila also touched on the accountability of President Zuma in light of the Constitutional Court's judgment on the Nkandla matter. He expressed satisfaction with the court's framework and Zuma's compliance. However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges and dangers posed by state capture, particularly by the Gupta family. The conversation shifted to the presence of a rogue intelligence unit allegedly working to destabilize the alliance and threaten party leaders. Mapaila called for strong action against such units and emphasized the need to clean up and restructure the intelligence services to safeguard the country's security. In closing, Mapaila addressed the upcoming national elective conference, confirming that the SACP is not considering standing alone in the 2019 elections. However, he highlighted the importance of the party's mission and the need to address internal challenges within the alliance. While the alliance remains intact, the possibility of the SACP contesting elections independently could have implications for the current alliance dynamics. Overall, the interview provided valuable insights into the SACP's stance on critical issues facing South Africa, from governance to state capture and the future of their alliance with the ANC.