The SACP is likely to debate the need for a more distinct presence within the alliance, writes Patrick Laurence, in Johannesburg
Irish historian Helena Sheehan has inadvertently precipitated an acrimonious verbal war between South Africa's ruling African National Congress and its long-time ally, the South African Communist Party or SACP.
The ANC, through its official spokesman, Mr Smuts Ngonyama, has taken exception to remarks made by the SACP deputy general secretary, Mr Jeremy Cronin, accusing him of "being unfaithful and of spreading deliberate lies".
Mr Cronin reflects, in response to questions put to him by Ms Sheehan, on the position of the SACP as a partner in the ANC government (although all SACP members of parliament, including those serving in the cabinet, were elected as members of the ANC list).
Mr Cronin records that senior members of the SACP have been "marginalised" in the ANC national executive committee (on which he and several of his communist comrades serve).
"(We are) shouted down, subject to heavy presidential attacks on us, beginning with