Tensions rise as the SACP confirms plans to contest local elections independently, raising concerns within the ANC about the future of the Tripartite Alliance. Image: Andile Andries Ndlovu.
(The Post News)– Cracks between the African National Congress (ANC) and its Tripartite Alliance partner, the South African Communist Party (SACP), continue to widen, as the latter is adamant in its decision to contest local government elections independently. This decision has raised concerns within the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) that it could weaken the Tripartite Alliance.
The SACP resolved at its national congress to contest the 2026 local government elections independently. Recently, its Secretary-General, Solly Mapaila, reaffirmed this position during the party’s 104th anniversary celebration in KwaDlangezwa, stating that preparations for the 2026 elections are on track.
In his address, Mapaila voiced several frustrations with the ANC, including the failure to implement Alliance decisions, restricted authority of SACP ministers in ANC-led departments, and a lack of progress on key issues such as land redistribution and the promotion of indigenous languages. He expressed that the SACP has grown tired of “meaningless meetings” that lead to no action.
Despite these frustrations, the SACP maintains that it will not leave the Tripartite Alliance. Speaking at the ANC NEC meeting media briefing, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated that they respect the decision taken by the SACP to contest elections independently, but he warned that there would be serious implications for the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) and the alliance at large should the SACP continue with its plans of contesting the 2026 local government elections.
Mbalula said that the ANC believes that the SACP’s action has significant ramifications for the National Democratic Revolution’s strategic plan, adding that the NEC reflected on historic moments where the SACP vanguard played a very critical role in the struggle. Mbalula suggested that the ANC might no longer be able to persuade the SACP to reverse its decision.
He believes that the current decision of the Communist Party is forcing the party to look into the possible shift in their dual membership, placing members of both parties who hold dual membership in a difficult position to choose between the ANC and SACP. There might be a lack of clarity between the two parties, as Mbalula cited that the SACP hasn’t stated reasons for wanting to contest elections independently.
Meanwhile, Mapaila has stated that the SACP’s primary motivation is to represent the working class in the state, which he believes is “long overdue.” However, the ANC says it will continue engaging the SACP in hopes of persuading them to reconsider. Mbalula asserted that according to their discussions at the NEC level, they must keep interacting with them; if they are unsuccessful, they will have to start a new conversation about how to handle a Communist Party running for office for any reason.
As Tripartite Alliance partners, the ANC and SACP share electoral strategies, collaborate on the appointment of public representatives, and include SACP members in ministerial and deputy ministerial positions in the current government.
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