By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) has announced that the South African Communist Party (SACP) will not participate in its election structures, processes and campaign activities.
The ANC held a media briefing at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Thursday to present the special National Executive Committee (NEC) outcomes on the SACP’s decision to contest the elections independently.
The NEC reaffirmed that the ANC Constitution explicitly recognises dual membership within the Alliance, including membership of the SACP, and that members who hold such affiliation enjoy full rights and are subject to the same duties as all ANC members.
This principle must be upheld without discrimination selective application, as unity, discipline and organisational cohesion remain central to the strength of the movement.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the NEC clarified that the SACP’s decision to contest the 2026 local elections independently.
Mbalula noted that independent contestation by the SACP introduced direct political competition.
“Experience from recent by-elections confirms that independent contestation creates confusion among supporters and divisions within communities,” he stated.
He acknowledged that while the alliance had delivered essential gains in social protection and democratic rights, the party was still reeling from the electoral setbacks of 2024.
He cited persistent inequality, unemployment, and declining public confidence as factors that had weakened the movement.
He highlighted that the ANC had, over an extended period, engaged the SACP and other Tripartite Alliance partners to preserve unity and avoid fragmentation.
“However, these engagements did not yield consensus, and the SACP has proceeded with preparations to contest elections, including participation in by-elections,” he explained.
He pointed out that the ANC’s National Executive Committee was concerned that this development risked fragmentation, weakening the Alliance, and undermining the broader transformation agenda at a time when the democratic movement faced both internal weaknesses and coordinated external pressures.
Members of the ANC, particularly those in leadership positions, have been given 10 days to decide whether they would campaign for the ANC or the SACP.
“This includes that SACP will not participate in ANC election structures, processes, campaign activities, or candidate lists, and that all ANC members are required to act in full compliance with the constitution.”
Mbalula confirmed that members of the party, including those in leadership, must declare within 10 days whether they will campaign for the ANC or the SACP.
“Failure to do so will be interpreted as a commitment to campaign for the ANC in accordance with the oath of membership. Any conduct that undermines the ANC’s electoral campaign will attract immediate organisational action to safeguard the integrity and cohesion of the movement.”
However, the ANC reaffirmed its commitment to the alliance.
“The ANC remains in alliance with the SACP, the Congress of South African Trade Unions, and the South African National Civic Organisation, each an independent organisation with its own constitution, membership, and programmes. This alliance is founded on a common commitment to the objectives of the national democratic.”
There has not been a practical and scientific way to determine what the SACP brings to the ANC in terms of electoral support. The picture was complicated by the fact that SACP members are also often members of the ANC.