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Summary:
The African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist party (SACP) held a bilateral meeting on Monday to discuss the SACP’s economic plan and its recent decision to contest the 2026 municipal elections independently.This decision marks a shift,as the SACP has historically campaigned alongside the ANC since 1994.
Key Points:
* SACP’s Independent Candidacy: The SACP decided at its December 2024 congress to contest the 2026 local government elections on its own. This decision stems from increasing criticism of the ANC’s governance, including concerns about malfeasance, economic growth, maladministration, and service delivery.
* ANC’s Response: The ANC expressed disagreement with the SACP’s decision, fearing it will weaken the forces for national democratic change and impact the long-standing alliance. However, the ANC acknowledges the SACP’s right to contest elections independently.
* Alliance Dynamics: Both parties acknowledge the need for discussion and coordination regarding election strategy, despite the new dynamic of competing on the ballot. A task team is working on this coordination.
* Past Context: The alliance between the ANC and SACP dates back to the 1920s. While the SACP has previously threatened to contest elections independently, these threats were often resolved by including SACP leaders in government positions.
* SACP’s Rationale: The SACP believes contesting elections directly will allow it to more effectively pursue its socialist program, promote public participation, and improve service delivery, particularly focusing on the working class and the poor.
* Past Precedent: The SACP previously gained control of the Metsimaholo Local Municipality in 2017 by contesting a by-election and forming a coalition.
* Ongoing Dialog: The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to maintain unity within the alliance, as stated by the ANC. blade Nzimande, SACP chair, had reportedly expressed unhappiness with the decision and wanted it reconsidered.
Date of Information: The information is current as of November 24, 2025.