By Staff Reporter
The SA 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 with the Democratic Alliance.
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 5th Special National Conference, scheduled for mid-December.
The conference is expected to set a clear strategy for the 2026 elections, as well as resolutions aimed at addressing critical national challenges, including unemployment, poverty, inequality and systemic capitalist exploitation.
The party has indicated that the outcomes of its upcoming Special National Conference will shape its tactical approach for 2026 and solidify its commitment to broader working-class unity.
The SACP remains a key partner in the Tripartite Alliance, which includes the ANC, Cosatu and Sanco.
Mapaila said that the party would engage with its alliance partners to discuss this new direction.
“Our engagement will be firmly guided by the outcomes of our Special National Congress,” he said, adding that the SACP will continue to push for socialist transformation and broader working-class unity.
The SACP has previously contested elections independently, notably in the Metsimaholo Local Municipality in the Free State, but its 2026 bid is poised to be its most serious challenge to the Alliance.
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