Key Takeaways
- The ANC national executive committee (NEC) has rejected the idea of dual membership for SACP members if the SACP does not reverse its decision to contest elections.
- The SACP has decided to contest elections on its own, rather than campaigning under the banner of the ANC, due to disagreements with the ANC’s decision to form a government of national unity with the DA.
- The ANC fears that the SACP’s decision will further weaken the party, which has already dipped below 50% support in recent polls.
- The NEC has given the SACP an ultimatum to either reverse its decision or have its members lose their ANC membership.
- The future of the tripartite alliance, which includes the ANC, SACP, and Cosatu, is uncertain due to the disagreement.
Introduction to the Disagreement
The African National Congress (ANC) national executive committee (NEC) has rejected the idea of dual membership for South African Communist Party (SACP) members if the SACP does not reverse its decision to contest elections. This decision was announced by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula at the party’s national general council, where he stated that the NEC has given the SACP an ultimatum to either backtrack on its decision to contest elections on its own or have its members lose their ANC membership. The SACP, which is an integral part of the tripartite alliance that includes the ANC and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), has always campaigned under the banner of the ANC in the past.
Background to the Disagreement
The SACP’s decision to contest elections on its own was made after the formation of the government of national unity (GNU) that included the Democratic Alliance (DA) but left out the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the MK Party. The SACP, under the leadership of Solly Mapaila, felt that the ANC had gone too far in its decision to form a government with the DA, and therefore decided to take a different path. The ANC has been trying to convince the SACP to reverse its decision, but dozens of meetings with its leadership have not yielded any positive results. The ANC is concerned that the SACP’s decision will further weaken the party, which has already seen its support dip below 50% in recent polls.
Implications of the Disagreement
The implications of the disagreement between the ANC and the SACP are far-reaching. If the SACP does not reverse its decision, its members will no longer be able to hold dual membership in the ANC. This means that SACP members who are currently part of the ANC’s elections machinery will have their status revoked, and SACP ministers and deputy ministers in the ANC-led government will have to be removed. The tripartite alliance, which has been a cornerstone of the ANC’s support base, will also be severely weakened. The alliance has been a key factor in the ANC’s success in past elections, and its demise could have significant consequences for the party’s future prospects.
Future of the Tripartite Alliance
The future of the tripartite alliance is uncertain due to the disagreement between the ANC and the SACP. The NEC’s decision to reject dual membership for SACP members has thrown a spanner in the works, and it is unclear how the alliance will move forward. The ANC has announced that it will convene a meeting with its alliance partners to iron out the differences, but it is unclear what the outcome of this meeting will be. The SACP has stated that it is committed to contesting elections on its own, and it is unlikely to reverse its decision. The ANC, on the other hand, is keen to maintain the alliance and is exploring ways to resolve the disagreement.
Way Forward
The ANC’s national general council will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s strategic approach to the 2026 local government elections. The council will have to provide direction on how the party will navigate the challenges posed by the SACP’s decision to contest elections on its own. The ANC has stated that it will do everything in its power to avoid internal divisions and ultimately defeat the National Democratic Revolution. The party’s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, has called on all ANC members to march in unison once the national general council has given strategic direction on the matter. The outcome of the council’s deliberations will be closely watched, as it will have significant implications for the future of the ANC and the tripartite alliance.