By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila has characterised the African National Congress (ANC) electoral loss at the May 29 polls as a “major blow” to the national democratic revolution (NDR).
Mapaila believes the NDR has been derailed due to economic policies benefiting capitalists to the detriment of the poor and working class.
His remarks were made during a passionate address, where he was presenting a political report at the party’s 5th Special National Congress in Boksburg on Thursday.
He reiterated the SACP’s commitment to the NDR, the struggle for proportionality, and the empowerment of the working class.
“We remain committed to the NDR, committed to proportionality, and committed to the struggle of the working people in our country,” he affirmed.
Mapaila also explained that the SACP’s decision to break away from the ANC for the local elections was rooted in several pressing concerns about the current state of the alliance.
“The arrogance of political power, factionalism, corruption, and the use of politics to divide and weaken the liberation movement have brought us here,” he said.
He said that the SACP’s decision was not about severing ties with the ANC but about asserting its independence to continue the fight for socialism and the working class.
Mapaila made it clear that the decision was not taken lightly and came after the SACP’s Central Committee had already expressed its intent to contest local elections.
He pointed to the lack of a reconfiguration in the alliance as a key reason for this decision, noting that the SACP could no longer continue to be sidelined in the face of internal struggles and external challenges.
“We decided that we would contest the next local government election. We did so because the reconfiguration of the alliance has not taken place yet,” he said.
His announced followed the party’s public declaration earlier in December, where they outlined their intent to proceed with the elections on their own terms, despite ongoing discussions with the ANC.
While the SACP is exploring its options for the upcoming elections, Mapaila made it clear that the party remains committed to its tripartite alliance with the ANC and labour federation Cosatu.
“This idea of people leaving the government — there is nothing like that. We are still an alliance,” he said, adding that the party had decided to support the ANC in the last elections.
“We have the right to revoke this decision, but we are not splintering the ANC. We are simply asserting our independence.”
The congress is expected to deliberate on strategies for revitalising the tripartite alliance and addressing key issues, including the SACP’s approach to contesting the 2026 local government elections.