By Thulani Castro Waka Mhlanga

The South African Communist Party’s (SACP) decision to contest the 2026 local government elections marks a significant political development and a potential threat to the dominance of the African National Congress (ANC). Historically, the SACP and ANC, alongside the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), have operated as a united front through the Tripartite Alliance, rooted in their collective fight against apartheid and formally established in 1990 after the unbanning of the ANC.
Traditionally, the SACP and COSATU have not contested elections but have played influential roles in shaping ANC policy and mobilising voter support. However, the SACP’s registration with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to contest independently in November 2026 signals a break from tradition and poses serious political ramifications.
This move is not unprecedented. In 2017, the SACP fielded its own candidate in the Metsimaholo local municipality by-elections in the Free State, challenging the ANC directly. Now, the decision to contest again reflects growing dissatisfaction within the alliance and could lead to deep divisions, particularly at local government level, where many members of the SACP and COSATU are also ANC members.
SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila has publicly criticised aspects of the Government of National Unity (GNU), further highlighting tensions. As local elections are largely issue-based, the fragmentation of alliance support may open opportunities for other organisations, including civil society groups such as SANCO, to win proportional representation seats or wards.
The ANC faces a dilemma. Without urgent dialogue, the alliance risks collapse at grassroots level, potentially handing power to smaller parties through coalition governments. Previous experience with coalition-led municipalities has often resulted in governance instability and poor service delivery.
Local dynamics differ significantly across municipalities. For example, residents in Mbombela’s Ward One may not face the same service issues as those in Bushbuckridge. This makes the local elections a more volatile battleground.
To avoid a splintered vote and weakened governance, the ANC and SACP must consider holding a national consultative conference. Without it, the 2026 local government elections may usher in a new era of fragmentation and further decline in service delivery across South Africa.