ANC or SACP? It’s upon members with dual membership to decide – Mantashe

The African National Congress (ANC) said it will not force its members to choose between it and its alliance partner, the South African Communist Party (SACP).

Dual membership between the two organisations has been a longstanding tradition; however, with the SACP now contesting elections alone, it has become an issue.

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The ANC said that people with dual membership were not excluded from its 5th National General Council (NGC), which is taking place at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.

On Monday, the first day of the ANC’s NGC, the SACP’s Deputy General Secretary, Madala Masuku, was repeatedly heckled by the delegates while making his speech.

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe repeatedly intervened on his behalf, unsuccessfully.

Mantashe is part of many that holda dual membership between the ANC and the SACP.

“There’s dual membership - every member will take a decision, not the ANC NEC [national executive committee]. It is my decision, what I want to do with my membership. I am a member of both parties and will have to decide which party I campaign for.”

Mantashe was asked which of the parties he will vote for.

“I will vote for the ANC; I am the national chairperson for the ANC.”

Part of the discussions in the ANC’s NGC is the future of the alliance.