SACP Takes a Stand: Obed Thabana to Contest Ward 13 By-Election Against ANC and EFF Amidst Party's Deepening Crisis

SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila

The South African Communist Party (SACP) is gearing up for a fierce battle in the upcoming ward 13 by-election in Polokwane. SACP candidate Obed Thabana will go head-to-head against Mokadi Boloko of the ANC and Michael Mongatane of the EFF, the party of former ANCYL president Julius Malema.

The SACP has made it clear that it will not be swayed by its alliance with the ANC, and will contest the election independently. "The ANC has no right to stop us from contesting elections independently," said SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila. "We remain resolute in our decision to go it alone come 2026."

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has cleared the SACP to contest the election, after initially issuing a notice to deregister the party. The SACP has been deemed fit to contest next year's local government elections. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has thrown its weight behind the SACP, resolving to support and campaign for the communist party in the forthcoming local government elections.

However, the ANC's chances of retaining the ward are looking increasingly uncertain. The Peter Mokaba Region, which encompasses ward 13, has been plagued by internal disputes and power struggles. The ANC's Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) has refused to endorse the region's leadership structures due to allegations of irregularities and bogus delegates.

The PEC's decision to refuse endorsement has sent shockwaves through the party, with those who celebrated their wins in the Peter Mokaba region now eating humble pie.

A team of five comrades has been assembled to investigate allegations related to the Peter Mokaba Regional Conference, and the committee's findings will have far-reaching implications for the ANC's future. "It's a free-for-all in the ANC Peter Mokaba Region," said a senior ANC member, who wished to remain anonymous. "The center is not holding, and it's unclear whether the party will be able to unite behind a single candidate. If the disputes aren't resolved, it's likely that the ANC will lose ward 13."

The SACP's decision to contest the election independently has further complicated matters for the ANC. With the EFF also in the running, the vote is likely to be split, potentially paving the way for the SACP to emerge victorious.

As the by-election heats up, all eyes will be on ward 13 to see if the SACP can capitalize on the ANC's weaknesses. Will Obed Thabana's campaign pay off, or will the ANC manage to resolve its internal disputes and retain the ward? The outcome is anyone's guess.

One thing is certain, however: the ward 13 by-election is shaping up to be a closely contested battle, with the SACP, ANC, and EFF all vying for victory. The result will have significant implications for the future of the alliance between the SACP and the ANC, and could potentially signal a shift in the balance of power in the Peter Mokaba Region.