South African Communist Party

SACP statement on Abahlali baseMjondolo and the Conference of the Left

Sunday, 17 May 2026: The South African Communist Party (SACP) notes the statement issued by Abahlali baseMjondolo regarding the Conference of the Left to be held on 29 – 31 May 2026.

The SACP wishes to place on record that the Party did approach Abahlali baseMjondolo regarding the Conference of the Left. Following the circulation of a fake and unauthorised poster earlier in the process, the SACP publicly clarified that the material was not official and acted to address the matter. It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the Party deliberately sought to misrepresent Abahlali baseMjondolo’s position.

The SACP has continued to seek engagement with Abahlali baseMjondolo, including during the course of this week, in an effort to clarify matters and sustain constructive political dialogue. Unfortunately, these efforts have not yet yielded an engagement.

The Conference of the Left was initiated in response to the deepening crisis facing the working class and poor in South Africa. Rising unemployment, inequality, evictions, hunger, violence, failing local government and worsening social conditions require greater discussion, coordination and principled engagement among progressive forces.

The SACP rejects any suggestion that the purpose of the Conference is to “co-opt” organisations or undermine their independence. The Conference was conceived as an open platform for engagement among a broad range of left, progressive, community, labour, youth, women’s and grassroots formations — all of whom retain their full organisational autonomy and political independence.

At the same time, the SACP fully recognises the democratic right of organisations to decide whether or not to participate in the Conference. Participation cannot and should not be imposed.

The SACP also acknowledges that any official conference material must accurately reflect confirmed participation. In this regard, organisational processes and communication must always be handled with care, clarity and political responsibility.

The Party remains convinced that despite differences among progressive formations, the worsening crisis confronting the working class and poor demands our continued efforts towards principled dialogue, engagement and unity in action around issues affecting the masses of our people.

The SACP therefore remains open to engagement with Abahlali baseMjondolo and all progressive organisations committed to social justice, democratic struggle and the advancement of the interests of the poor and working class.

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ISSUED BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNIST PARTY,
FOUNDED IN 1921 AS THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF SOUTH AFRICA