Molebatsi Masedi introduces SACP Ward 8 Candidate Masilo Malebati and PR Candidate Piet Ramaselela to Relela Headman MT Mathibela and his Council.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) in the Relela Cluster has made significant strides in its grassroots mobilization efforts.
On Sunday, local Party leaders held an official meeting with the traditional leadership of Relela Village to present their independent election strategy and introduce their local candidates ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
The delegation, led by the SACP Relela Cluster Coordinator Molebatsi Masedi, met directly with the Headman of Relela Village, Ntona Motswalo Thomas Mathibela, and his Traditional Council at the village offices. The visit was organized to formally brief the traditional authority about the Party’s historic resolution to contest the upcoming November 4 elections as an independent political force.
Grounded in History and Struggle
During the briefing, Masedi reflected on the long history of the SACP and its central role in the South African liberation movement. Masedi traced the Party’s political journey from its underground resistance during apartheid up to the democratic breakthrough of 1990, which saw the unbanning of liberation movements and the release of political prisoners.
Building on that legacy, Masedi explained that the Party is now taking its independent program directly to working-class communities. The delegation presented the SACP Local Government Elections Manifesto, built around six main priorities under the core theme:
“BUILD PEOPLE’S POWER WHERE WE LIVE: FOR THE RIGHT TO WORK, WATER, ELECTRICITY, ROADS, LAND AND SAFETY FOR ALL.”
The six pillars outlined to the council include:
*The Right to Work: Fighting for job creation and sustainable economic opportunities in local communities.
*Public Services: Guaranteeing reliable access to clean water, electricity, and properly maintained roads.
*Land and Food Security: Promoting land redistribution and supporting local food production for rural families.
*Community Safety: Building stronger neighbourhood protection initiatives to combat local crime.
*Anti-Corruption: Ensuring clean municipal management free from looting and tender fraud.
*Accountability: Keeping elected leaders directly answerable to the residents who voted for them.
Introducing the Candidates for Ward 8
Following the presentation of the Manifesto, Comrade Masedi introduced the two SACP candidates chosen to represent the area. Masilo Malebati was presented as the Ward 8 candidate, while Piet Ramaselela was introduced as the Proportional Representation (PR) candidate.
Addressing the traditional leaders, Ward Councilor Candidate Masilo Malebati reaffirmed his deep personal ties to the area. He pledged never to abandon the people of Ward 8, a community he highlighted having served diligently for more than 35 years.
PR Candidate Piet Ramaselela concluded the presentation by offering sincere gratitude to Headman Mathibela and the Traditional Council. He thanked the local leadership for the warm reception, their open doors, and their willingness to give the Party a fair hearing as it embarks on this historic campaign.
Traditional Council Responds with Praise for Chris Hani
Speaking on behalf of the Relela Traditional Leadership, spokesperson David Malatji expressed strong appreciation for the visit. In his response, Malatji spoke passionately about the legacy of the late iconic SACP General Secretary, Chris Hani, describing him as an inspiration for selfless public service.
Malatji extended warm wishes to the SACP leadership as they take their campaign to the voters of the cluster. He encouraged the candidates to uphold the highest standards of integrity throughout their political work, offering a clear word of advice:
“Be like Chris Hani,” Malatji concluded.
The successful engagement between the SACP and the Relela Traditional Authority marks a strong start for the Party’s campaign in the area. As the countdown to November 4 continues, the Party’s message of grassroots empowerment, public service, and clean local government is finding fertile ground among rural voters and traditional structures alike.