By Simon Nare
The ANC is on the verge of conceding defeat in its efforts to discourage its ally, the South African Communist Party (SACP), from contesting state power in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.
The party’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, told reporters at a post-NEC briefing on Wednesday that the SACP remains incredulous despite meetings and appeals from ANC leadership to work as partners.
Mbalula said the party may now have to accept that it cannot convince the SACP to reverse its special congress resolution.
In a special congress in December, the SACP raised frustration over its waning influence in government policy and called out the ANC for failing to select its candidates for positions in local government.
Mbalula warned that the ANC opposes the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently, saying the move could cost the party votes and further weaken its hold on power.
“All I’m saying is that we may not succeed in persuading them to abandon that resolution. If that fails, the ANC must sit down and decide what we are going to do — and that’s exactly what we intend to do,” said Mbalula.
“We’ve agreed to meet with the SACP. But as you can see from the general secretary, Solly Mapaila, he is determined to implement the resolution.”
He said the resolution has far-reaching implications for both the alliance and the SACP.
Beyond forcing members to choose between the ANC and SACP at the polls, it pits the two allies against each other on the electoral battlefield.
“So, we will engage the SACP as mandated. But if that fails, the NEC is clear — we must intervene. We will convene a special NEC meeting to discuss the local government elections, including the SACP’s decision,” he said.
Mbalula added that the special NEC meeting would be held within two weeks and that both parties must work swiftly to resolve the matter.
By the time the ANC convenes the meeting, he said, there should be no ambiguity on the way forward.
“Essentially, dual membership demands a choice between the ANC and SACP. We deliberated on the perspective and legitimacy of our alliance with the SACP. The ANC leads the NDR and does not intend to relinquish this role. Their sole objective is to contest elections towards socialism. This decision will profoundly impact the alliance, necessitating thorough consideration and guidance for our structures. Engagement with them at the NEC is imperative; failure to do so would be a failure overall,” said Mbalula.
“We are now confronted with a new dynamic — the SACP contesting independently. Delays on this matter are unacceptable, as their participation will significantly affect our alliance. This demands urgent attention and strategic planning to ensure inclusive election processes led by the ANC. It also requires a reassessment of our collaboration with the SACP.”
He said that historically, the ANC and SACP have shared a unified strategy for contesting elections, with the SACP fully participating in ANC-led processes.
“However, their recent decision requires us to re-evaluate these arrangements and our future cooperation. We had previously agreed to explore reconfiguring the alliance. Our mandate remains clear: although persuading them may not succeed, we must weigh the implications and operational adjustments for both organisations,” said Mbalula.
“Nonetheless, we remain committed. While SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila has made their intentions clear — to contest elections independently — we are not conceding our efforts.”
He also confirmed that regional conferences are on track, with 45 out of 52 expected to be held by the December 2025 cut-off date, allowing the party to shift its focus to the elections.
Preparations for the local government elections, Mbalula said, have already begun in earnest, saying the party was in the process of convening regional and provincial conferences head of the ANC’s National General Council (NGC).
“The NEC noted that ANC membership stands at 1,479,257, with 809,361 in good standing — a 19.5% increase since June 2025. This reflects the people’s enduring faith in their movement. All branches must meet functionality criteria and complete the Foundation Course by November 2025,” said Mbalula.
The party’s NGC will take place from 8 to 12 December 2025, with 1,600 delegates expected to attend.
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