The African National Congress's National Executive Committee convened a special meeting in Boksburg to discuss the South African Communist Party's plan to contest the 2026 local elections independently. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula revealed that bilateral talks with the SACP last week did not sway their position. The SACP insists its move stems from the ANC's long-standing inaction on alliance reconfiguration.
On December 1, 2025, the ANC's National Executive Committee gathered for a one-day session in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, where the primary focus was the SACP's recent announcement to run independently in the upcoming 2026 local government elections. This development has stirred discussions within the tripartite alliance, highlighting tensions between the two longstanding partners.
Fikile Mbalula, the ANC's Secretary-General, addressed reporters outside the meeting, noting that persuasion efforts during bilateral discussions on the previous Monday had not succeeded. "We failed to convince the SACP," Mbalula stated, emphasizing the need for the ANC to chart its next steps in response. He underscored the political ramifications of the SACP's choice, which could reshape coalition dynamics ahead of the polls.
From the SACP's perspective, spokesperson Mbulelo Mandlana defended the decision, arguing it deserves respect across the board. The party cited the ANC's reluctance over more than two decades to restructure the alliance as a key factor driving their independent candidacy. This stance reflects deeper frustrations within the communist group about unfulfilled commitments.
The meeting comes amid broader alliance strains, including claims by the SACP of internal ANC factions targeting its members, as highlighted in recent media. While the ANC weighs its options, the SACP's move signals potential shifts in South Africa's political landscape, particularly at the local level where voter allegiances could fragment.