The South African Communist Party (SACP) has declined an invitation from the African National Congress as it celebrates 100 days of the Government of National Unity today.

NOT INTERESTED

SACP Secretary-General Solly Mapaila said during a media briefing yesterday that today's GNU celebration clashes with a bilateral meeting that was scheduled to take place between the ANC and SACP, which was meant to discuss critical issues. Mapaila said this move by the ANC undermines their partnership. "On the 100 days of the GNU celebrations, we have rejected the invitation. We will not be going, albeit that it's been laced together with thanking the people who voted for the ANC," said Mapaila emphasising that for too long, industrial policy measures and the funding necessary for industrialisation have been sabotaged by fiscal consolidation, austerity or budget cuts. "This must be stopped immediately if South Africa is to break free from the shackles of low national output since this hampered efforts to stimulate industrialisation and economic growth," he said.

THEIR STANCE ON GNU HASN'T CHANGED

Mapaila said that the SACP is still committed to advocating for the working class, stating they will not be swayed from their mission to build a more just and equitable South Africa. "We stand firm in our belief and we will continue to fight for the interests of the people," he said, adding that GNU coalition arrangement, which include the DA and FF Plus, which he described as apartheid beneficiaries, contradicted their position. " As the SACP, we have adopted a critical stance towards the GNU. The Central Committee reaffirmed this stance. The pursuit of the right-wing, including the shared at alliance secretariat and political council briefing sessions, especially our rejection of coalition arrangements involving the DA and underpinned by a neo-liberal agenda," he concluded. The GNU celebrations will take place at Luthuli House later today, where ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa will give a keynote address.