President Cyril Ramaphosa
By Thabo Mosia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the South African Communist Party (SACP) to reconsider its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently, emphasizing the historical unity between the African National Congress (ANC) and the SACP. Speaking at the 30th anniversary commemoration of the late Joe Slovo at Avalon Cemetery in Soweto, Ramaphosa highlighted the potential risks of fragmentation within the alliance.
Historical Context and Alliance Dynamics
The ANC and SACP have shared a longstanding alliance, collaborating closely in South Africa’s liberation struggle and subsequent governance. This partnership has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s political landscape, with both parties working together to advance the National Democratic Revolution (NDR). Ramaphosa underscored this relationship, stating, “The SACP has been a strength behind the ANC; similarly, the ANC has been a pillar of strength to the SACP. The two need each other… The two are like twins; separating them is to weaken our NDR.”
SACP’s Decision to Contest Independently
In December 2024, the SACP announced its intention to contest the 2026 local government elections independently, citing dissatisfaction with the ANC’s decision to form a Government of National Unity (GNU) with the Democratic Alliance (DA) following the May 2024 elections. SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila expressed concerns over the GNU, labeling the DA as “hyenas gunning to finish off the ANC” and warning of the potential threat the coalition poses to the party’s stability. 
Mapaila emphasized that the SACP’s decision aims to assert the party’s distinct identity and address challenges within the alliance, stating, “We are not leaving the relationship, but we are freeing ourselves from the abuse.” 
Ramaphosa’s Appeal for Unity
Addressing the commemoration event, Ramaphosa acknowledged the SACP’s concerns but cautioned against actions that could further fragment the alliance. He reflected on the impact of previous splinter groups, noting, “When you look at the various parties that have splintered from the ANC, you begin to understand that through that splintering process, from the late 50s until 2000, the ANC has been weakened.”
Ramaphosa urged the SACP to engage in dialogue and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of unity in achieving shared goals. He stated, “We must also be willing to listen to one another. The ANC must be willing and prepared to listen to comrades who are saying the GNU is a mistake. Similarly, every one of us must also listen to the path being taken, look out for the dangers, and make all of us alert to the dangers we are seeing.” 
Implications for the Tripartite Alliance
The SACP’s decision to contest the 2026 elections independently marks a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape, potentially altering the dynamics of the Tripartite Alliance, which includes the ANC and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). This move could lead to a realignment of political forces within South Africa’s leftist movements, with implications for future governance and policy direction.
The ANC has responded to the SACP’s decision with caution. ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri addressed concerns regarding potential disciplinary actions against ANC members who might campaign for the SACP, stating that dual membership would not be penalized. 
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