Tensions are reportedly mounting within the South African Communist Party (SACP) in Matatiele, with some members expressing strong dissatisfaction over the candidate list submitted to represent the organisation in the Matatiele Local Municipality Council.
The complaints were reportedly raised during a meeting held at the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) offices on Thursday. The meeting was attended by District Secretary Vuyo Mdutyana and SACP representatives from all 26 wards in Matatiele.
Members questioned the criteria used to select Khotsofalang Mashili, Lungisani Nkamba, Snwabile Mavuka, Lindiwe Mbele and Nthateng Sihlobo as candidates for council positions.
However, the inclusion of Lungisani Nkamba appears to have caused the greatest dissatisfaction among some party members.
Although members did not mention his name directly during their complaints, they alleged that one of the candidates had previously informed the party that he would not participate in its campaign during the Mbizana Ward 14 by-elections.
Some members claimed that the individual only became actively involved in campaigning for the organisation approximately two weeks before election day, after reportedly failing to secure a position on the ANC candidate list.
“Nkamba waited for his name to appear on the ANC list. After not seeing his name there, he jumped and became a strong campaigner for the organisation just two weeks before election day. Now he is going to the Municipal Council as a councillor representing the SACP without having done the hard work.
“Some of us are prepared to put pressure for these names to be removed, even if the candidates have already been sworn in. Those who worked hard for the party must occupy those council seats,” the members said.
They further questioned Nkamba’s electoral performance, claiming that he received the lowest number of votes in his ward.
During the meeting, Mdutyana reportedly told members that the candidate list was not yet finalised, indicating that consultations with the sub-district structures were still underway. He was expected to return and provide feedback this Saturday. However, the planned meeting reportedly did not take place.
Responding to the allegations, Mdutyana said concerns about the candidate list were only raised after the selection processes had been completed.
Addressing questions surrounding Nkamba’s inclusion, Mdutyana explained that Nkamba had informed the party during the Mbizana by-elections that he was facing certain challenges that prevented him from working for the organisation at the time, but indicated that he would return.
Mdutyana said Nkamba’s inclusion on the candidate list was based on criteria that included reward-based appointments, numerical representation and his availability to participate in election campaigns.
Despite the complaints from some members, Mdutyana maintained that the organisation was satisfied with the list submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
“Otherwise, the SACP is very happy with the candidate list that we have submitted to the IEC and the names that will be representing us in the council,” Mdutyana said.
The dispute has raised questions about internal consultation, candidate selection and recognition of party members who have dedicated their time and effort to building the organisation at ward level.
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