Gwede Mantashe Booted! SACP Ousts ANC Chair From Key Committee!
Johannesburg - The South African Communist Party (SACP) has confirmed the removal of Gwede Mantashe from its central committee due to consistent absence from meetings. This decision, announced at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Sunday, marks a significant shift in the relationship between Mantashe, a prominent figure in South African politics, and the SACP.
Mantashe's Absence Triggers SACP Action
According to Madala Masuku, the SACP’s first Deputy General Secretary, the party’s constitution stipulates that members of the central committee cannot be absent from more than three consecutive meetings. Mantashe, who also serves as the African National Congress’ (ANC) national chairperson, reportedly exceeded this limit, leading to his removal.
“The reason why he is out of the committee is because there is a constitutional clause that says members of the central committee cannot absent themselves more than three consecutive meetings, so he continued to do that and when we did communicate to him verbally, he did say the situation he was in and we understood it as well,” Masuku explained.
No Bad Blood, SACP Claims
Despite the seemingly abrupt nature of Mantashe's removal, the SACP maintains that there is no animosity between the party and the ANC chairperson. Masuku acknowledged that the SACP understands Mantashe's need to prioritize his duties within the ANC.
The central committee is the SACP’s highest decision-making body between conferences. Mantashe's departure raises questions about the future of the SACP-ANC alliance and the potential impact on South African politics.
This development will undoubtedly be closely watched by political analysts and observers alike, as it could signal a shift in the dynamics between the two influential political organizations in South Africa.