CAPE TOWN, Western Cape — A legal battle has erupted within the Western Cape Provincial Legislature as the SACP Western Cape officially filed a court interdict to block the African National Congress (ANC) from removing Provincial Secretary Benson Ngqentsu from his legislative seat. This decisive legal action highlights the rapidly deteriorating relationship between the alliance partners just months before the critical November elections.
The controversy stems from the abrupt dismissal of Ngqentsu alongside two other SACP councillors representing the Overberg and Garden Route (Knysna) regions. While the ANC cited allegations that the officials had defected to another political party, the Communist Party has vehemently denied these claims, framing the expulsions as an ideological purge rather than a legitimate disciplinary action.
Addressing the media, Benson Ngqentsu firmly rejected the notion of any wrongdoing. He emphasized that neither he nor his colleagues are accused of corruption, financial misconduct, or involvement in criminal networks. Instead, he stated that the officials were targeted exclusively for their unwavering commitment to socialism and the class struggle, describing the dismissal of communists from the legislature as a “badge of honor” for the movement.
A central pillar of the SACP’s grievance is the complete absence of due process. Ngqentsu revealed that the ANC leadership bypassed the SACP entirely, writing directly to the legislative speakers to execute the removals without prior notification to the movement’s leadership. This procedural irregularity has led the SACP to suspect a coordinated “nexus” between the Democratic Alliance (DA) political elite and factions within the ANC, allegedly collaborating to fast-track the expulsion of communist voices.
According to the SACP, this maneuver directly benefits neo-liberal austerity forces operating within both the DA and the broader ANC political landscape. Ngqentsu warned that these factions are actively celebrating the sidelining of socialist representatives, anticipating that legislative committee oversight will now be a “walk in the park” without their critical scrutiny.
Despite being formally removed, Ngqentsu remains defiant. He confirmed his intention to attend the final legislative sitting before the recess this Thursday, vowing to observe the proceedings in whatever capacity is permitted. The court interdict now serves as a critical flashpoint, signaling the SACP’s readiness to engage in a protracted legal and political fight to defend its electoral platform and the aspirations of workers in the province.
