SACP Declares Independence: Solly Mapaila Unveils Plan to Contest Elections Amid Alliance Rift

SACP Secretary-General Solly Mapaila.

The South African Communist Party (SACP) is set to contest the 2029 general elections independently, citing frustration with the African National Congress's (ANC) failure to implement agreed-upon policies. SACP Secretary-General Solly Mapaila expressed his discontent with the ANC's leadership, stating that the party is "sick and tired of attending meaningless meetings" where decisions are not implemented.

Mapaila highlighted the ANC's failure to address key issues, such as land redistribution and promoting indigenous languages. He emphasized that the SACP had requested control of the Arts and Culture department to promote indigenous languages, but the ANC's control rendered their efforts meaningless. The party's decision to contest elections independently is driven by its desire for working-class representation in the state.

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed concern over the SACP's decision, stating that it would significantly weaken the forces for national democratic change. Ramaphosa emphasized that the ANC would continue to engage with the SACP on how they would approach the 2026 local government elections ¹.

The SACP's decision has sparked tension within the tripartite alliance, which includes the ANC, SACP, and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu). Cosatu has announced that its upcoming congress will decide whether to continue supporting the ANC or back the SACP. The SACP, however, has made it clear that it will never leave the tripartite alliance, given its role in its founding.

This development marks a significant shift in South African politics, potentially altering the dynamics of the 2029 general elections. The SACP's determination to contest elections independently underscores its commitment to representing the working class and pushing for meaningful change.