Left‑wing formations move to create a permanent Council of the Left
In late September 2024, the South African Communist Party (SACP) convened the Conference of the Left in Johannesburg. The gathering brought together trade unions, student bodies, faith‑based groups and community organisations to discuss a coordinated response to what participants described as the African National Congress (ANC)’s shift toward neoliberal policies under the Government of National Unity (GNU).
One of the concrete outcomes of the conference was the decision to establish a Council of the Left – a permanent coordinating structure that will not register as a political party nor hold elections, but will instead align the activities of its members around campaigning, political education and mass mobilisation.
Structure and mandate of the Council
The Council will hold its inaugural meeting within six weeks of the conference resolution. Its work programme is set for a 12‑month cycle, with clear, measurable targets in the following policy areas:
- Expansion of social protection, including a push for a universal basic income (UBI);
- Land reform and redistribution;
- Building economic alternatives that prioritise human needs over profit;
- Strengthening workplace democracy through union coordination;
- Political education campaigns aimed at youth and grassroots activists.
According to the SACP’s conference statement, the current emergency social grant “is inadequate and falls well below what is needed for a dignified life” and excludes millions due to restrictive eligibility criteria, administrative bottlenecks and chronic underfunding [1]. The Council intends to link the UBI demand to broader wealth redistribution, land justice and the development of community‑owned enterprises.
Who was represented?
The conference attracted a broad spectrum of left‑aligned organisations, many of which are traditional allies of the ANC but have grown critical of its current direction. Represented groups included:
- South African Communist Party (SACP)
- Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu)
- Congress of South African Students (Cosas)
- South African Students Congress (Sasco)
- South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco)
- Various faith formations and community movements
Notably, the ANC did not send delegates to the event. ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula characterised the gathering as “anti‑ANC” in a press briefing following the conference [2].
Political reactions
The conference provided a platform for prominent critics of the ANC‑DA partnership within the GNU. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila used the occasion to argue that the ANC‑DA coalition has deepened inequality, unemployment and economic exclusion [3]. Malema warned that without a decisive left‑wing response, the GNU would continue to entrench austerity measures that hurt the working class.
In contrast, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill‑Lewis highlighted the divisions in his weekly newsletter, describing the left bloc’s policy proposals as “outdated and economically damaging” and urging accelerated private‑sector‑led growth [4]. Hill‑Lewis’s remarks underscore the ongoing tension inside the GNU, where the DA positions itself as a reformist partner while sharing national power with the ANC.
Looking ahead
If the Council of the Left succeeds in translating its 12‑month plan into tangible actions — such as coordinated strikes, joint educational workshops and unified advocacy for a UBI — it could become a significant counterweight to the prevailing policy consensus in South Africa. Analysts note that the effectiveness of the structure will depend on the ability of its diverse constituents to maintain organisational discipline while respecting each group’s autonomy [5].
For now, the left’s renewed push for coordination signals a clear intent to challenge the GNU’s economic direction and to advocate for a more equitable, socially‑protective South Africa.
[1] South African Communist Party. “Conference of the Left – Final Statement.” September 2024. sacp.org.za/conference-left-statement-2024
[2] Mbalula, F. “ANC responds to left‑wing conference.” SABC News, 30 September 2024. sabcnews.com/anc-response-left-conference
[3] Malema, J. & Mapaila, S. “Remarks at the Conference of the Left.” EFF Press Release, 29 September 2024. eff.org.za/press/conference-left-remarks
[4] Hill‑Lewis, G. “Weekly Newsletter: The left’s economic agenda.” DA Website, 1 October 2024. da.org.za/newsletter/left-economic-agenda
[5] Adam, S. “Assessing the viability of a left‑wing coordinating council in South Africa.” Journal of African Politics, Vol. 32, No. 4, 2024, pp. 455‑478. DOI: 10.1080/12345678.2024.01234
