SACP secretary Benson Ngqentsu removed from Western Cape Legislature

The African National Congress (ANC) has moved to remove South African Communist Party (SACP) Provincial Secretary Benson Ngqentsu from the Western Cape Provincial Legislature. The ANC alleges that Ngqentsu is no longer a member of the party because he joined another political organization. The SACP has condemned the move, describing it as a “false pretext to purge” Ngqentsu and other SACP members serving as municipal councillors in areas such as Knysna and Overberg.

The removals occur amid escalating tensions within the tripartite alliance. The SACP recently confirmed it will contest the upcoming November 4 local government elections independently, breaking from its traditional electoral arrangement with the ANC and COSATU.

Ngqentsu stated that his removal was not unexpected and noted that other SACP members have faced similar removals in the Garden Route. SACP Secretary-General Solly Mapaila characterized the party's decision to run independently as a “new front in the class struggle” aimed at organizing workers and poor communities.