In a significant move, Bheki Mtolo, provincial secretary of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, has issued a formal apology to the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) for his remarks criticising its members.
His apology marks a turning point in labour relations between the ANC and Nehawu, paving the way for unity and co-operation.
In his initial comments, made in July, Mtolo accused Nehawu-affiliated workers of contributing to poor service delivery in the public sector.
However, after a meeting with Nehawu leaders, Mtolo retracted his statements, acknowledging they had caused mistrust and unnecessary agitation.
The apology was welcomed by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who described Mtolo's initial comments as "misplaced" and "excessive".
Mbalula's intervention helped resolve the issue, with Nehawu subsequently withdrawing its R2 million lawsuit against the ANC and Mtolo.
The ANC and its alliance partners have been on a downward spiral since the elections and after the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Last week, SACP secretary general, Solly Mapaila, in an interview with Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh on his show, the SMWX show, slammed the ANC’s decision to co-govern with the DA in the GNU.
“The political choice that the ANC made is a gross error, a serious mistake,” said Mapaila.
He expressed disappointment, particularly with the ANC’s seeming disregard for the ideological foundations that have traditionally underpinned the alliance.
Mapaila’s harsh critique resonates with many within the SACP, who view the GNU as “a betrayal of the revolutionary principles that have guided the liberation movement in South Africa,” he said.
Mbalula said Mtolo’s decision highlights the importance of dialogue and co-operation between political parties and labour unions.
By apologising and reaffirming his commitment to unity, Mtolo has taken a crucial step towards advancing the goals of the National Democratic Revolution, Mbalula said.
On Monday, Mbalula said Mapaila’s criticisms, using his social media platform to articulate his defence of the ANC’s actions, had missed the point.
“Comrade Solly Mapaila is missing the point. We shall debate these matters in the Alliance political council,” he said.
Mbalula’s response underscores the tension between the two leaders, reflecting broader ideological clashes within the alliance.
The SG added that the ANC was neither socialist nor capitalistic in its endeavours.
“The ANC is neither a capitalist nor a socialist party. Our relationship with capital is unity and struggle of the opposite; we are a multi-ideological party.
“At best, you can say we are social democrats. The burden to advance the struggle for socialism is on the South African Communist Party.”
Mbalula indicated that the apology also sets a positive precedent for labour relations in South Africa, demonstrating that even in the face of disagreement, unity and co-operation can prevail.
As the ANC and Nehawu move forward, their renewed partnership is expected to drive positive change in the public sector, ultimately benefiting the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
On Monday, the Young Communist League of South Africa (YCLSA) said it was not content to allow Mbalula’s remarks to go unchallenged with national secretary Mzwandile Thakhudi saying it is annoyed by Mbalula’s comments.
“It is worth highlighting that our general secretary has not singled out any leader of the ANC during his recent reflections on the political developments in the country,” the statement read.
“Rather, he maintained the party’s position that the liberation forces should not succumb to the parasitic state capture networks or neo-liberal elites.”
The Star