The SACP has rejected an ANC ultimatum giving dual members 10 days to choose between the two parties, with general secretary Solly Mapaila confirming the party will contest the 2026 local government elections under its own banner. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula issued the directive on Wednesday, triggering the sharpest public rupture in the tripartite alliance in years.
The SACP 2026 elections decision was formally taken at the party’s special national congress in December 2024 and reaffirmed at its central committee sitting this month.
It marks the first time since 1994 that the SACP will run candidates outside the ANC ticket.
How the alliance fractured
Mbalula’s letter to dual SACP and ANC members set a hard deadline and warned that anyone still holding dual membership beyond the window would face internal disciplinary action.
The ANC argues that standing against its candidates is incompatible with ANC membership and Luthuli House discipline.
Mapaila told journalists at a briefing on Thursday the directive amounted to coercion. He accused the ruling party of “bullying tactics” and said the SACP would shield members from what he described as intimidation.
The SACP response
The communist party has instructed its members to remain disciplined and avoid unilateral resignations from the ANC.
“Our decision to contest the 2026 local government elections under our own banner will be implemented without fear,” Mapaila said.
Mapaila argued that the real threat to the national democratic project is declining public trust, failing local governance and voter disengagement, not internal alliance tensions.
Cosatu has so far declined to back either side publicly.
Electoral implications
An independent SACP run complicates ANC turnout maths in metros such as Ekurhuleni, the West Rand and parts of KwaZulu-Natal where communist party structures remain organised.
Analysts say even a 3% to 5% shift in working-class votes could prove decisive in closely contested wards.
The IEC has confirmed the SACP is a registered party and may nominate candidates.
The 2026 local government elections are scheduled for November.
