Dual membership dilemma for parties

High-ranking political figures with dual membership in both the ANC and the SACP are finding themselves in a precarious position, following the SACP's renewed push for electoral independence.

- Koketšo Sekhwela

This tension was brought to the fore during last Wednesday's ward 13 by-election in Polokwane, where the SACP fielded its own campaign separate from its traditional alliance with the ANC.

In the lead-up to the by-election, the SACP ran visible campaign efforts against both the ANC and the EFF, who have historically vied for control of the ward. The SACP, however, appeared to struggle with low turnout at their events, in stark contrast to the rallies hosted by the ANC and EFF.

For ANC leaders who also hold SACP positions, the by-election campaign period posed a complex challenge.