SACP’s navigation of complex Alliance politics a tough task

THE decision by the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party (SACP) to contest the upcoming 2026 local government election (LGE) left many guessing about the future of this organisation.

- PROF BHEKI MNGOMEZULU

Following this decision, the ANC has been working hard to convince the SACP to change its mind. Unfortunately, the SACP has dug its heels in, insisting that it will contest the LGE independently. This resulted in the ANC’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, conceding that the negotiations had failed. He continued to complain that this decision would lead to confusion regarding candidates.

Among other issues, the SACP complains about what it calls the ANC’s arrogance and its tendency to belittle other Tripartite Alliance partners. Secondly, the SACP blames the ANC for not consulting it as a partner when constituting the current multiparty coalition government. This is in addition to complaining about what the SACP calls the ANC’s liberal policies.

A few questions arise.

Firstly, what does the future hold for the SACP? Secondly, what does the SACP stand for today? Does it still believe in socialism? If so, how feasible is it to push socialist ideas in a capitalist world when one has no financial backing?

Thirdly, having been part of the Tripartite Alliance for so many years, how will the SACP market itself to the voters, especially those who despise the ANC and accuse it of having reneged on its promise to work for the people

Fourthly, does the party have the numbers to cause an upset in the ANC? Fifthly and lastly, will the party consider working with the ANC and other alliance partners again after the ANC’s 2027 party elective conference?