By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Community Party (SACP) says it will be campaigning as a working-class organisation and not as an alternative to the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the upcoming local government elections.
The SACP said the current political landscape has no parties truly advocating for left-wing, socialist issues.
The party wrapped up its 5th Special National Congress in Boksburg on Saturday.
It resolved to contest all municipalities and wards in the upcoming 2026 local government elections.
“We are not grounding ourselves as an alternative to any other party. We are a party of the working class, fighting for socialism and if we find allies, like we have indicated, we will be building more fronts – both popular fronts for the immediate struggles of the people. For instance, to defend the introduction of the BELA [Basic Education Laws Amendment] ACT and NHI [National Health Insurance].”
The ANC entered into an alliance with the SACP, labour federation Cosatu and the South African National Civics Organisation (Sanco) in the 1990s, but the Communist Party says the ANC has often left it out of critical discussions which have shaped policies in the country.
Former Trade and Industry Minister and SACP central committee member Rob Davies backs the party’s decision to contest elections separate from the ANC.
“It was an important decision – and I was part of it, Davies said.”
Watch the interview in the video below:
Video Courtesy of Fullview.