Provincial Chairperson: Cde Percy Ndlala.
The atmosphere inside the Tivumbeni Multipurpose Centre in the Lawrence Phokanoka District was electric.
It was heavy with the scent of red dust and the sound of revolutionary songs that shook the very foundations of the building. For three days, the 9th Provincial Congress of the South African Communist Party in Limpopo became a theatre of rebirth. Beneath a sea of red flags and banners, delegates did not just discuss history. They actively sought to rewrite their own.
The Significance of the Congress
This gathering was far more than a routine meeting. It was a clear declaration of independence. For years, the SACP operated in the shadow of the Tripartite Alliance. However, the resolutions passed here serve as the blueprint for an ambitious, independent campaign for the 4 November 2026 local government elections. This congress marks the moment the party stopped asking for permission to lead and began crafting its own path to municipal power.
The event took place amid strained relations with the African National Congress. Because of the SACP’s decision to contest the elections independently, several former provincial leaders who hold prominent government positions were notably absent. These included Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, former Provincial Chairperson Goodman Mtileni, and former Executive Committee member Pule Shayi. While the SACP met, the ANC hosted a rival event nearby at the Nkowankowa Stadium.
A Powerful Call to Action
SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila delivered an uncompromising keynote address. He criticized the current Alliance as one hijacked by interests that ignore the working class. Mapaila challenged those who accuse the SACP of dividing the Alliance, arguing that the real division comes from those who have abandoned the revolutionary path.
He clarified that the SACP has no ministers in the current government. He stated that those who do hold positions do not take their mandate from the party. Looking forward, he emphasized that the SACP will seek to place its own cadres into government through the next elections. These cadres must be accountable to the party and the working class, rather than to the perks of office.
The Mood and Mandate
From the moment the congress opened, the mood was one of uncompromising resolve. The mandate was clear: the time for waiting on the sidelines has passed. Delegates arrived with a sense of urgency, driven by the visible decay of service delivery in their home municipalities. The halls buzzed with talk of reclaiming the streets and restoring the dignity of the working class. There was little room for diplomatic pleasantries regarding the party’s historical partners.
Policy and Strategy
The policy discussions reflected a party looking beyond rhetoric. The new strategy focuses on community-based governance. They propose a model that prioritizes the direct involvement of residents in budget planning and oversight. The party’s critique of the current municipal landscape in Limpopo was scathing. Their strategy is to present a people-centered alternative, where a government is held accountable by the very workers and community members they represent.
The Challenge of the Solo Road
Breaking away from the traditional Alliance structure is a high-stakes gamble. The party leadership is aware of the risks and the potential hostility of former allies. However, the prevailing view was that the solo road is a necessary sacrifice. By running independently, the SACP aims to offer voters a choice not tainted by the compromises of the past.
Voices from the Floor
The true spirit of the congress lived in the voices of the delegates. One delegate noted that in his village, water taps have been dry for years while politicians only visit during election time. These voices were not those of career politicians, but of citizens who feel the daily sting of municipal failure. Their enthusiasm suggests the party has tapped into a deep well of frustration.
Conclusion and New Leadership
As the congress drew to a close, the delegates left with a renewed sense of purpose. They are moving directly onto the campaign trail to contest every ward in Limpopo.
The congress elected a new leadership team to guide this mission:
*Provincial Secretary: Cde Dr. Chuene Malebana
*Provincial Chairperson: Cde Percy Ndlala
*Provincial Treasurer: Cde Jeannet Mashego
*First Provincial Deputy Secretary: Cde Rudzani Skinjar Ramogumo
*Second Provincial Deputy Secretary: Cde Malesela David Makhafola
*Provincial Deputy Chairperson: Cde Machike Thobejane
The red flag is flying high. As the Limpopo SACP heads toward November, they are no longer just a partner in government, but a force determined to lead it. The dawn has broken, and the real work of the revolution has begun.
Provincial Secretary: Cde Dr. Chuene Malebana.
The head table at the Congress.
In their Communist days, Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Pule Shayi, conspicuous in their absence at the Congress after swapping the SACP with perks of office.