Thulas Nxesi
By Thabo Mosia
Thulas Nxesi, Deputy National Chairperson of the South African Communist Party (SACP), has clarified that the party’s decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently was a collective resolution, not an individual choice by General Secretary Solly Mapaila. 
Speaking at the African National Congress (ANC) birthday celebrations, Nxesi addressed the impact of internal divisions, corruption, and state capture on the ANC’s recent election performance. He called for a realignment within the alliance and urged leaders to focus on constructive debate rather than populism and personal attacks.
Nxesi emphasized that the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently was made by its entire leadership during its 5th Special National Conference in December 2024. This move comes after the ANC’s poor performance in the 2024 elections and the party’s refusal to reconfigure the alliance to grant equal status to each member. 
The announcement was met with mixed reactions. Supporters jeered as Nxesi made the statement, prompting ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe to intervene. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously appealed to the SACP not to contest the local government elections independently in 2026, urging unity within the alliance. 
Nxesi acknowledged the progress made by the ANC in areas such as education, water, electrification, and gender equity, which have benefited the working class. However, he noted that high rates of unemployment, poverty, and inequality have negatively affected the ANC’s performance in elections. He also cited state capture, corruption, and internal infighting as factors contributing to the decline in electoral support.
Despite reaching an agreement to reconfigure the alliance, Nxesi stated that there has been resistance to this decision. He stressed that without reconfiguration, the independence of working-class partners within the alliance could be compromised, which is undesirable. Nxesi called for the independence of the SACP in joint decision-making to serve as a pillar of strength for the alliance’s interdependence.
He appealed to alliance leaders to avoid populist name-calling, insults, and personal attacks, advocating for constructive debate on the issues at hand. Nxesi reiterated that the decision to contest elections independently is a congress decision, not an individual one, emphasizing the SACP’s commitment to the alliance with the ANC.
The SACP’s resolution to contest the 2026 local government elections independently marks a significant shift in the dynamics of South Africa’s tripartite alliance, which includes the ANC and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). This move reflects the SACP’s commitment to addressing critical societal challenges, including poverty, inequality, and job creation, through a socialist perspective. 
The ANC has cautioned the SACP against contesting elections independently, highlighting potential implications for their longstanding alliance. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula noted that such a move could have serious consequences for the unity and effectiveness of the alliance. 
The SACP plans to finalize the modalities of its independent participation during its 5th Special National Conference. This conference will serve as a platform to strategize and mobilize resources for the upcoming elections. 
As South Africa approaches the 2026 local government elections, the political landscape is set to undergo significant changes. The SACP’s decision to contest independently introduces a new dynamic to the country’s political environment, potentially leading to a realignment of political forces within South Africa’s leftist movements. The outcomes of these developments will have far-reaching implications for the future of the alliance and the broader political landscape in South Africa.
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