Manamela's appointment divides SACP

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of SACP member Buti Manamela as minister of Higher Education and Training has apparently fueled the debate on whether the communist party should contest the 2026 local government elections independently of its longtime ally, the ANC.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

Manamela, a senior SACP member, has been deputy minister for the last two terms.

In response to his appointment this week, SACP spokesperson Mbulelo Mandlana welcomed the move, saying the appointment was an acknowledgement of Manamela’s contributions.

“The SACP remains committed to playing its role in the struggles taking place in the sector, including playing a critical role in the agenda of transformation, to promote access to education and to improve governance, manifesting in quality outcomes,” Mandlana said.