Ramaphosa attends SACP commemoration event despite strained relations

JOHANNESBURG - Despite a recent strain in the alliance relationship, African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived for the South African Communist Party's (SACP) event in Soweto.

The SACP is holding its annual Joe Slovo commemoration event at the Avalon Cemetery.

Over the past few months, the SACP has criticised the ANC for forming a coalition government with the Democratic Alliance (DA).

This has resulted in the SACP resolving to contest elections alone, and no longer under the ANC banner.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, SACP spokesperson Alex Mashilo said the ANC remained an ally.

"Every year, the ANC has representatives who come and deliver the message of support, and it is not the first time he comes here. The alliance comprises of independent formations. We don’t always see things in the same way - there are at times differences and different opinions - and that is what will strengthen us."