ANC-SACP RIF: A RELATIONSHIP ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

The African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) are at a crossroads, with the ANC's National General Council (NGC) resolving that SACP members should recuse themselves from the party's joint election structures.

This move comes after the SACP announced its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently, sparking concerns about the future of the tripartite alliance.

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the decision, stating that the NGC had expressed deep concern over the weakened state of the alliance, which includes the ANC, SACP, and Cosatu. "This NGC has raised deep concern about the negative impact of the current state of the alliance on the ability of the progressive forces to execute a revolutionary agenda to defend and advance the NDR," Ramaphosa said.

The SACP has maintained that it plans to contest elections independently while remaining in the tripartite alliance. SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila has repeatedly criticised the Government of National Unity (GNU), arguing that the inclusion of the Democratic Alliance (DA) does not advance the interests of Black people and workers.

ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji has also weighed in, saying, "If you are contesting us, you cannot be with us. You cannot sit and strategise with us. The issue of dual membership is no longer going to work".

The rift between the ANC and SACP has significant implications for the 2026 local government elections and the future of the tripartite alliance. As the situation continues to unfold, The Azanian will provide updates and analysis on this developing story.

The ANC-SACP alliance has been fraught with tension for years, with disagreements over issues such as economic policy, land reform, and the role of the state in the economy. The SACP has long been critical of the ANC's shift towards neoliberal economic policies, which it argues have exacerbated inequality and poverty in South Africa.

The SACP's decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently is seen as a major blow to the ANC, which has relied heavily on the SACP's support in past elections. The move is also likely to further strain relations between the ANC and Cosatu, which has been critical of the SACP's decision to go it alone.

The rift between the ANC and SACP is likely to have significant implications for the 2026 local government elections. The SACP's decision to contest the elections independently could split the vote and hand the DA and other opposition parties an advantage.

The ANC has already begun to feel the heat, with its support ratings declining in recent polls. The party's decision to ask SACP members to recuse themselves from joint election structures is seen as a bid to shore up support and prevent further defections.

The SACP has firmly rejected the ANC's proposal to abolish dual membership, highlighting the historical significance of their shared membership. The SACP has also announced that it will contest the 2026 local government elections independently, with its own candidates and manifesto.

As the situation continues to unfold, The Azanian will provide updates and analysis on this developing story.