Solly Mapaila, Secretary General of the South African Communist Party (SACP), called for the swift impeachment of President Cyril Ramaphosa during the party's Chris Hani provincial commemoration in Bushbuckridge on Sunday, citing concerns that delays could lead to the sale of state assets. Mapaila specifically urged that the impeachment process against President Cyril Ramaphosa be fast-tracked. Mapaila stated, "This impeachment must move fast because if it is delayed, we will have no government infrastructure, as everything would have been sold." He further emphasized that such delays could lead to a situation where "we will have no government infrastructure as everything would have been sold."
Mapaila criticized the Government of National Unity (GNU) for allegedly planning to privatize state entities. He claimed, "The GNU government wants to sell Eskom. They want to put Eskom in the market, and they think we don't know that. They are collaborating with the IMF. That will never happen as long as we are alive in South Africa." Mapaila accused the Government of National Unity (GNU) of wanting to sell Eskom, the national power utility. He further alleged a "new form of state capture" involving business people within the Presidency, stating, "They are right inside the Presidency; they are sharing the resources of this country."
Court Mandates Impeachment Inquiry
A Constitutional Court ruling found Parliament acted unconstitutionally in blocking an earlier attempt in 2022 to establish an impeachment inquiry committee against President Cyril Ramaphosa. The ruling stemmed from a case jointly brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the African Transformation Movement (ATM). This legal challenge, initiated by the EFF and African ATM, ultimately led to the court's decisive intervention. Chief Justice Mandisa Maya ruled that Parliament should form an impeachment committee to determine whether Ramaphosa was still fit to hold office.
SACP Secretary General Solly Mapaila welcomed the court's decision. "We welcome this Constitutional Court judgment," Mapaila stated. He reiterated his call for urgency, adding, "This impeachment must move fast because if it is delayed, we will have no government infrastructure, as everything would have been sold." Mapaila showed the importance of accelerating the impeachment process, believing it to be a critical step in preserving national assets.
Concerns Over State Asset Sales
Solly Mapaila, Secretary General of the South African Communist Party (SACP), warned that delays in impeachment proceedings could result in significant state asset sales. Mapaila stated that if the process is not expedited, "we will have no government infrastructure as everything would have been sold." He accused the Government of National Unity (GNU) of intending to privatize the national power utility, Eskom.
Mapaila claimed the GNU government seeks to sell Eskom and place it on the market, asserting, "The GNU government wants to sell Eskom. They want to put Eskom in the market, and they think we don't know that. They are collaborating with the IMF. That will never happen as long as we are alive in South Africa." Mapaila's strong words noted the SACP's firm opposition to what it perceives as plans to dismantle public services. Mapaila alleged a "new form of state capture" involving unnamed individuals within the Presidency. He claimed these individuals are selling water resources. This accusation suggests a deep-seated corruption extending to fundamental natural resources. The SACP's strong stance on these matters was articulated in a report published approximately 15 hours ago from Monday, May 11, 2026.
Political Realignment and Future Elections
The African National Congress (ANC) has reportedly issued an ultimatum to its members who also hold affiliation with the South African Communist Party (SACP). These individuals have been instructed to declare their allegiance within 10 days from Thursday, specifying which party they intend to support in the upcoming 2026 local government elections. This directive signals a potential realignment within the long-standing tripartite alliance, which traditionally includes the ANC, SACP, and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). The ANC has told members who are also part of the SACP to state, within 10 days from Thursday, which party they will back in the 2026 local government elections.
The move could force a clear distinction of political loyalties among members who have historically maintained dual party membership. Such a decision by the ANC suggests an effort to consolidate its internal support base ahead of key municipal polls, where competition among political parties is expected to be intense. The impending declarations could clarify the extent of overlapping membership and influence between the ANC and SACP, potentially reshaping their electoral strategies for 2026. This directive from the ANC notes growing tensions and a desire for clearer political boundaries within the alliance.
