"It's traumatic": ANC-SACP alliance on the rocks ahead of local elections

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

Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.

The relationship between the ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP) is on the rocks ahead of the local election, with ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula calling it "traumatic".

The SACP has decided to contest the elections alone, leading to tension between the two parties.

Mbalula said the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) will have to decide how to handle the relationship with the SACP, especially since there are members with dual membership.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that members who don't campaign for the ANC will face consequences.

The SACP's decision has sparked calls for strong action against the party. The ANC's Limpopo province has described the SACP's decision as "unfortunate" and urged members to reconsider their affiliation. Some ANC members have even called for disciplinary action against SACP members who are also part of the ANC.

The rift between the ANC and SACP raises questions about the future of their alliance and the potential impact on the local election. The SACP's decision to go it alone could potentially split the left-wing vote, benefiting other opposition parties.

The tension between the two parties has been building for some time, with disagreements over issues such as economic policy and the ANC's leadership style. The SACP has accused the ANC of abandoning its socialist principles, while the ANC has accused the SACP of being too rigid and inflexible.

The outcome of the local election could have significant implications for the future of the ANC-SACP alliance. If the SACP performs well, it could strengthen its position and potentially lead to a re-evaluation of the alliance. On the other hand, if the SACP performs poorly, it could lead to a re-think of their decision to contest the elections alone.

The NEC meeting is expected to discuss the SACP's decision and its implications for the ANC. The meeting is likely to be tense, with different factions within the ANC having different views on how to handle the situation.

In the meantime, the SACP has vowed to continue with its election campaign, saying it is committed to representing the interests of workers and the poor. The party's decision to go it alone has been seen as a bold move, but it remains to be seen whether it will pay off for them.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the relationship between the ANC and SACP is traumatic.