Fikile Mbalula has moved to calm fears of a breakdown in the historic alliance between the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), despite growing tensions over the upcoming local government elections.
Speaking after a series of separate party briefings, Mbalula dismissed suggestions that the current standoff signals the beginning of the end for the long-standing political partnership. However, he acknowledged that the evolving dynamics—particularly the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently—could create new challenges within ANC ranks.
According to Mbalula, one of the key concerns is the potential rise of opportunistic behaviour among ANC members. He warned that individuals who fail to secure positions on the ANC’s candidate lists may seek alternative routes to political relevance by aligning themselves with the SACP’s independent campaign.
This, he suggested, could complicate internal party discipline and blur traditional alliance lines, especially during a highly competitive election season.
Mbalula warns of opportunism amid shifting alliances
The ANC and SACP appear to remain at odds over how to approach the elections, with the SACP making it clear that it will not comply with the ANC’s ultimatum to formally declare its loyalty ahead of campaigning. This marks a significant shift from previous elections, where the two parties operated more closely in unified structures.
In response, Mbalula confirmed that the ANC is taking steps to redefine its internal processes. He said the party will engage all its structures to establish clear guidelines for the upcoming polls, including how it will manage relationships with alliance partners during the campaign period.
One of the most notable changes is that SACP members will no longer be allowed to participate in ANC election meetings, a departure from past practice where collaboration between the two parties was more integrated.
Despite these developments, Mbalula was quick to emphasise that there is no hostility between the organisations. He framed the situation as an evolution rather than a rupture.
“We are not divorcing. We are not even in separation. We are just exploring what could happen,” he said, signalling a desire to maintain political ties while adapting to new realities.
At the same time, the ANC has introduced measures to address potential conflicts of interest among members who belong to both parties. Mbalula has given dual members a 10-day window to declare which party they will actively support during the campaign period.
The move is intended to ensure clarity and prevent confusion among voters, while also maintaining organisational discipline. However, Mbalula indicated that the party does not anticipate taking harsh punitive measures against those who may struggle to choose sides.
“We don’t believe that it will get to a position where anyone must be expelled,” he said, suggesting a more measured approach to managing internal differences.
The decision by the SACP to contest elections independently represents a notable shift in South Africa’s political landscape. For decades, the ANC-led alliance—which also includes labour movements—has been a cornerstone of the country’s political framework.
Now, with the SACP pursuing its own electoral path, questions are being raised about how the alliance will function moving forward and whether this could signal a broader realignment in South African politics.
Mbalula, however, remains optimistic that the situation can be managed without damaging the relationship between the parties. He expressed confidence that both sides would conduct themselves responsibly during the campaign, avoiding negative tactics that could harm the broader alliance.
“We expect a clean contest,” he said, adding that there should be no need for parties to undermine one another in order to gain support.
As preparations for the local government elections intensify, the ANC’s ability to maintain unity while adapting to changing political dynamics will be closely watched. The emergence of independent campaigns within the alliance framework presents both risks and opportunities, testing the resilience of long-standing political relationships.
For Mbalula, the priority appears to be striking a balance between enforcing party discipline and preserving the spirit of cooperation that has historically defined the alliance. Whether this approach will succeed remains to be seen, but for now, the message from ANC leadership is clear: the alliance is evolving, not collapsing.
As the election season approaches, all eyes will be on how these dynamics play out on the ground—and whether the ANC and SACP can navigate their differences without fracturing a partnership that has shaped South Africa’s political history for decades.