The South African Communist Party (SACP)'s decision to go it alone in the 2026 local government elections remains despite the fact that it held another bilateral meeting with the African National Congress (ANC) in January to discuss the decision. He argues that this is a foregone conclusion.
This is according to SACP Secretary-General Solly Mapaila, who presented the party's organizational report at the 5th Special National Conference.
The conference is currently being held in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
The party is not mincing words about its decision to challenge state power. The party argues that the move to contest the elections will facilitate a reconfiguration of the alliance, which the SACP has been seeking for more than two decades.
Mr Mapaila said the alliance was in this situation because of the weakness of the ANC leadership. He argues that participating in elections independently will free him from years of abuse by some within the ANC.
“We are not leaving the relationship, but we are freeing ourselves from the abuse. From now on, we will work independently as an organization. Therefore, my comrades, because of these challenges we are experiencing, Maximum unity of the SACP structure, maximum unity and mutual Respect will be required. Let us forgive our comrades who refuse to leave or who do not support the SACP movement, rather than condemn them, as long as they remain within the movement, that is their choice. Our struggle is one, but it is fought on multiple terrains and on multiple fronts.”
“There's no turning back now.”
The SACP said the decision to contest alone had been discussed for a long time within the party structure. The special meeting will focus on how the alliance will function in the future and how it will approach the 2026 elections.
Mr Mapaila, who presented his first report since becoming party leader at the special national conference, said his role was to implement the decisions of the SACP meeting. He says there is no going back now and nothing will change the party's position.
Mr Mapaila cited what he called unfair treatment of some SACP leaders regarding the development. He says Lesufi is treated poorly in Gauteng Panyaza simply because he is a communist.
Mr Mapaila said their aim was not to weaken the ANC, but to help strengthen it to serve the people. He said that as a liberation movement, the ANC should improve the living conditions of the poor and working class.
“We have no intention of weakening the ANC. We will strengthen it if anything happens. This loss is due to two things: our leadership is weak as people's living conditions are deteriorating. It highlights the objective situation that when you are in a liberation movement, you have to use your power to improve people's lives.
Video | SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila describes the organization's political report as follows:
