The SACP’s Local Election Move Could Divide South Africa’s Democratic Movement

South Africa is gearing up for local government elections expected between November 2026 and January 2027. As the country prepares for this crucial poll, debates around political participation are intensifying — particularly following the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) announcement that it will contest the elections independently.

This decision has sparked strong reactions within the Mass Democratic Movement, raising concerns that the SACP’s move could weaken long-standing alliances and divide the working-class movement that has shaped South Africa’s political landscape since the struggle years.

The Historic Alliance Between the SACP and ANC

The SACP has historically positioned itself as the political vanguard of South Africa’s working class — championing the interests of the oppressed and exploited masses. For decades, it has been an integral partner in the Tripartite Alliance, working alongside the African National Congress (ANC) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).

The alliance, forged in the struggle against apartheid, was described by former ANC President Oliver Reginald Tambo as “a living organism that has grown out of the struggle… reinforced by a common determination to destroy the enemy and by our shared belief in the certainty of victory.”

Historically, both organisations maintained ideological independence while sharing a unified vision for a non-racial, democratic South Africa rooted in the principles of the Freedom Charter.

Challenges in the Post-2024 Political Landscape

Following the 2024 general elections, the ANC lost its outright majority in Parliament for the first time since 1994, securing just over 40% of the vote. The party also lost control in key provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Northern Cape.

Although the ANC remained the largest party, it retained national power through a Government of National Unity (GNU). However, the SACP — part of this coalition — has expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the arrangement, arguing that it compromises the progressive agenda that once united the alliance.

The Risk of Division Ahead of the 2026 Local Elections

The SACP’s decision to register with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to contest the 2026/27 local elections is likely to have significant political implications. Many members of the SACP and COSATU also belong to the ANC, which could lead to voter confusion and internal division at the local government level.

Critics argue that this move could fracture the unity of the Mass Democratic Movement, historically rooted in cooperation between labour, the working class, and liberation structures. It may also open opportunities for civil society organisations such as SANCO and independent candidates to gain ground in municipalities across the country.

Guarding the Gains of the Liberation Movement

The alliance between the ANC and SACP has been central to South Africa’s political transformation. It has guided the country from apartheid to democracy and has been instrumental in advancing the rights of workers and the poor.

As the 2026/27 local elections approach, it remains to be seen whether this alliance can withstand new political pressures or whether the SACP’s independent contestation will reshape the dynamics of progressive politics in South Africa.