SACP
South Africa’s political landscape is buzzing after African National Congress secretary-general Fikile Mbalula took a strong stand against the South African Communist Party’s choice to run alone in the 2026 local government elections. Speaking at a key gathering in Mpumalanga, Mbalula said the move does not rattle the ANC, as the SACP has always focused on ideas rather than voter turnout.
His words highlight growing tensions in the long-standing tripartite alliance, even as he calls for unity amid challenges like poor service delivery and recent by-election wins.
Mbalula’s remarks come at a time when the ANC is pushing hard for renewal and better governance. The party, which has led the country since the end of apartheid, faces criticism over its role in the Government of National Unity that includes groups like the Democratic Alliance. Yet, Mbalula insists the ANC remains strong and ready to tackle issues head-on.
Mbalula’s Fiery Address at Mpumalanga Gathering
On Saturday, 18 October 2025, Mbalula spoke at the ANC’s Mpumalanga Provincial General Council meeting held at Mbombela Stadium. The event brought together members to talk about big topics like service delivery, the economy, and keeping the party together. He praised the province for its unity and drive, saying there are no major troubles and that such spirit should be supported, not upset.
“We are seeing unity of purpose here in Mpumalanga,” Mbalula told the crowd. He added that while not everyone might be fully on board, the ANC must bring them along as it moves forward. He described the province as one determined to keep the ANC alive and leading.
Turning to the SACP, Mbalula did not hold back. “Comrades of the Communist Party, I’m going to talk about it. You are the ANC, you are different,” he said. He urged members to stay organised and disciplined, stressing that political education shapes thinking and actions.
He told ANC supporters not to worry about the SACP’s harsh words. “Leave comrades of the SACP to talk. After they finish, we correct them with a red pen,” he said, drawing cheers. “Even if they disrespect us, we don’t haul visitors. We will correct them because the ANC is a vanguard. When you are older, you are not deterred by small things. The ANC is like a car with shock absorbers – it can handle rough roads even those without a tar. The ANC is not shaken.”
Mbalula made it clear the ANC still values the alliance with the SACP and trade union federation Cosatu. But he pointed out the SACP’s strength lies in quality, not big crowds. “Communist parties never came to the ANC with numbers,” he explained. “When we see them getting three or four votes, we know that’s not their thing. They brought quality – they shaped our direction and our political education.”
He added that the best thinkers and ideologues in the ANC have often been communists, bringing depth rather than sheer size. “Others say they don’t have numbers, but when we go to by-elections, they come back with 70%. They were not formed for numbers,” Mbalula said.
Background to the SACP’s Independent Run
The SACP’s decision to go solo stems from deep unhappiness with the ANC’s choices after the May 2024 national elections. The ANC lost its outright majority, getting just 40% of the vote, and formed the Government of National Unity with parties like the Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus. The SACP sees this as a betrayal of working-class interests and black South Africans, arguing it favours big business over the poor.
At its 5th Special National Congress in December 2024, the SACP resolved to contest elections on its own, starting with the 2026 local polls. General secretary Solly Mapaila has been vocal, saying the move frees the party from “abuse” in the alliance. He confirmed this in various statements throughout 2025, including in March, April, June, August, and September.
Despite funding hurdles – the SACP lacks big donors and relies on member fees – Mapaila insists they will push ahead. “We are freeing ourselves from abuse by contesting elections alone,” he said in a December 2024 interview. The party plans to run in all municipalities, aiming to build a stronger left-wing voice.
This is a big shift for the SACP, founded in 1921 and a key partner in the fight against apartheid. The alliance dates back to the 1928 Native Republic Thesis, where communists pushed for black majority rule. Documents like the 1962 Road to South African Freedom and the ANC’s 1969 Morogoro Strategy cemented their bond, with the SACP providing ideological guidance while the ANC led as a broad movement.
But cracks have shown. The SACP has criticised the GNU for not representing workers, and some members hold dual roles in both parties. The ANC’s National Executive Committee in August 2025 respected the SACP’s right to decide but warned it could split the working-class vote and weaken the National Democratic Revolution.
ANC’s Push for Renewal and Unity
Mbalula’s speech fits into the ANC’s broader efforts to rebuild after recent setbacks. The party has held regional conferences across provinces like Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga to focus on accountability and unity. A Special National Executive Committee meeting from 4 to 6 October 2025 discussed guidelines for candidate lists and economic growth, aiming to pick people with integrity for the 2026 polls.
The ANC’s Local Government Action Plan, adopted earlier in 2025, requires councillors to report monthly on six key areas like service delivery and ethics. A new “Local Government Barometer” will track progress on election promises. Mbalula highlighted this in recent statements, saying renewal is “not a slogan but a living reality.”
Recent by-elections have boosted morale. The ANC won wards in Musina (Limpopo), Dr AB Xuma (Eastern Cape), Langeberg (Western Cape), Elundini (Eastern Cape), and Greater Tshwane (Gauteng). Mbalula thanked voters, seeing these as signs of growing trust. “These outcomes strengthen the ANC’s bond with people and resolve to rebuild confidence ahead of the 2026 local government elections,” he said in the party’s newsletter.
But challenges remain. Municipalities face failing infrastructure, like water shortages and bad roads. In Gauteng, plans include big projects like the Lanseria Smart City and Gautrain expansion to fix these.
Addressing Internal Criticisms and Apologies
Mbalula also touched on comments by ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, who last month said councillors are “good at singing and making noise” but lack skills to run councils. “I know we have a lot of singing councillors, but we have no councils. You all sing well, but capacity dololo,” Mantashe said at an event in Gauteng’s FNB Stadium.
These words upset many, amid complaints about poor local services and public anger. Mbalula apologised: “So, comrades, that thing Gwede said about you being good at singing but having no capacity – I know it didn’t sit well. We have apologised for it.”
He urged members not to fight back harshly, saying, “Tomorrow we don’t want to hear that ANC members don’t understand politics or that they hauled the Communist Party at their platform.”
Warnings of Fragmentation and Right-Wing Gains
Mbalula has spoken out before on the SACP’s plans. On 7 October 2025, at a meeting with the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union in Boksburg, he warned that losing alliance partners could lead the ANC to “selling out.” He appealed to the SACP to rethink, saying the ANC cannot afford the split.
The party fears the move could hand power to right-wing groups and break the progressive front. In a statement, the ANC said it might force dual members to choose sides and weaken left ideas inside the organisation. They call for talks to reconfigure the alliance without breaking apart.
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