SACP to contest 2026 local government elections independently

Staff Reporter

The South African Communist Party has announced its decision to contest the 2026 Local Government Elections independently from its historical ally the ANC.

The move, finalised during the party’s Central Committee meeting at the weekend, signals the SACP’s intention to chart its own path.

The SACP has been at loggerheads with the ANC, its alliance partner, over its decision to enter into the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU) with the DA.

Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila confirmed the decision to contest elections as an independent party was formally communicated to the ANC.

“We had indicated to the ANC that we have taken a decision to contest local elections as the SACP. So, officially and formally now this has been communicated to the ANC,” Mapaila said on Monday.

The modalities of this independent contestation will be ironed out at the party’s