By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE: Former South African and African National Congress(ANC) President Thabo Mbeki has called upon the South African Communist Party(SACP) to actively participate in the upcoming National Dialogue to address the plight of the working class, but the SACP remains determined to pursue its autonomy, the Mail and Guardian reported on Thursday.

Speaking at the SACP’s fifth special national congress in Boksburg on Saturday, Mbeki said it was important for the alliance partners to collaborate in tackling shared problems and shaping the country’s future. 

“The congress, which brought together over 570 delegates representing 37 000 members nationwide, unanimously supported Mbeki’s call to mobilise grassroots membership for the dialogue, scheduled to take place in 2025. The initiative is being organised by a coalition of foundations associated with former anti-apartheid leaders, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, while the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) will play a critical role in facilitating the discussions,” reads the Mail and Guardian report.