Collen Malatji Tells Solly Mapaila to Join Jacob Zuma’s MK Party as Tensions Rise in South Africa’s Political Landscape

In a recent fiery exchange, African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) leader Collen Malatji has expressed strong disapproval of South African Communist Party (SACP) secretary-general Solly Mapaila, telling him to join Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

Malatji Challenges Mapaila’s Allegiance

This remark follows Mapaila’s and the SACP’s growing criticism of the ANC for its decision to form a Government of National Unity (GNU) with parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus.

The SACP has raised concerns that this move sidelined other potential partners, like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the MK Party.

The SACP, which is traditionally part of the ANC-led tripartite alliance along with the Congress of the Trade Unions (Cosatu), has long been an advocate for the ANC’s platform in national and local elections.

However, the party’s recent announcement to run independently in the 2026 local government elections has raised questions about its future stance within the alliance.

Malatji’s Bold Statement to Mapaila

While delivering a speech at the Peter Mokaba memorial lecture in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on 10 January 2025, Malatji didn’t hold back.

He accused Mapaila of being a “populist” and claimed that the SACP’s loyalty lies with the mass democratic movement, not with Mapaila’s personal ambitions.

Malatji reflected on the past, stating that the SACP supported the ANC when it was at its peak, but when the party faces challenges, Mapaila and others abandon it for “counter-revolutionary” movements.

He was particularly vocal, suggesting that if Mapaila wants to align with Zuma’s MK Party or other figures like Floyd Shivambu, he should leave the SACP altogether.

A Call for Loyalty and Unity

Malatji’s comments struck a chord with the crowd, as he rallied against what he sees as attempts by Mapaila and others to take control of the SACP.

His message was clear: no individual should own the party, and its allegiance lies with the broader movement.

The fiery rhetoric reflected the tension between the ANC and the SACP, underscoring the divisions within the alliance as South African politics continues to evolve in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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