Johannesburg – The South African Communist Party (SACP) has removed ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe from its Central Committee after he repeatedly missed meetings without apologies, though he remains an SACP member.
SACP officials emphasised that the decision was procedural, not political, citing Mantashe’s demanding roles in the ANC and government.
“Comrade Gwede Mantashe is not part of the Central Committee anymore. But he is still a member of the party,” SACP 1st Deputy General Secretary Madala Masuku said during a media briefing over the weekend.
He clarified that, according to the SACP constitution, Central Committee members who miss more than three consecutive meetings without a legitimate excuse or formal apology are automatically removed from their positions.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has made headlines by removing Gwede Mantashe from its esteemed Central Committee, a decision that highlights internal dynamics and the challenges faced by party officials balancing multiple responsibilities. Madala Masuku, the SACP’s 1st… pic.twitter.com/tB4M2VhvYz
— newsnote (@newsnoteSA) August 31, 2025
“Comrade Mantashe consistently missed meetings. When spoken to, he explained he was dealing with a complex situation within the ANC. We understood that. But the issue was that he was not sending any apologies,” Masuku said.
The SACP has removed Gwede Mantashe as a member of its Central Committee.
Madala Masuku, SACP 1st Deputy General Secretary, said Mantashe missed one too many of its meetings.
The SACP said it understands Mantashe has his hands full as ANC National Chairperson & Minister. TCG pic.twitter.com/YorqA2Rghe
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 31, 2025
Mantashe’s removal coincides with growing tensions between the SACP and ANC, as the SACP plans to contest the 2026 local elections independently, criticising the ANC for ignoring its calls for a more equal alliance.
Despite limited funding, the SACP aims to focus on community-based campaigns and hopes to gain support from working-class communities.
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Picture: X/@GwedeMantashe1
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
