SACP not seeking to weaken alliance with ANC: Nxesi

South African Communist Party (SACP) Deputy National Chairperson, Thulas Nxesi, says the party is not seeking to weaken its long-standing alliance with the African National Congress (ANC).

Nxesi says they are instead calling for its reconfiguration.

He says differences within the alliance must be handled with maturity especially as political tensions grow, after the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently.

Nxesi was speaking at the 33rd commemoration of the SACP’s liberation struggle icon Chris Hani in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga.

He says engagement within the alliance should remain disciplined despite differing views.

“Our opposition, the old order, are celebrating what we are fighting. SACP has therefore called for the reconfiguration of the alliance, not to weaken it, but to democratise it, restore strategic clarity, and place working class interest back into the centre of the state power. Differences of view must be handled with maturity and discipline,” says Nxesi.

Meanwhile, South African National Civic Organisation deputy president, Chris Malematja, says Hani’s vision remains unfulfilled without services including water and sanitation.

Malematja reflected on Hani’s legacy as communities face socio-economic challenges.

“A selfless leader, a creator of integrity, a freedom fighter who taught us that freedom without decent shelter for South Africans is incomplete. Freedom without land in the hands of majority is incomplete. Freedom without safe drinking water…is incomplete. Freedom without free education for our young ones, our investors and tools is incomplete.”