SACP-ANC tensions deepen as ANC moves against Benson Ngqentsu

Rising tensions between the ANC and the SACP have escalated in the Western Cape ahead of the upcoming local government elections on November 4. ANC Provincial Task Team coordinator Thandi Mkasi demanded the removal of SACP provincial secretary Benson Ngqentsu from the ANC Member of Provincial Legislature following threats of litigation from his party.

Ngqentsu learned of his removal on August 30, 2026, when ANC chief whip Ayanda Bans informed him of the letter copied to Western Cape Legislature Speaker Daylin Mitchell. The ANC also expelled its councillors appearing on lists of other parties, five months after ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula stated members holding dual membership should choose between the ANC and SACP in the municipal elections.

Ngqentsu stated that he chose the working class and its struggle over the ANC, emphasizing that his removal from the provincial legislature was a badge of honour rather than a political defeat. He denied any wrongdoing, stating that he would rather lose a position than lose his political conviction and commitment to the class struggle. The SACP decided to contest the elections independently of the ANC, with Ngqentsu actively campaigning for the party.

The SACP's Cape Town district secretary, Monde Nqulwana, expressed their support for Ngqentsu and pledged to double their efforts to advance their working class campaign during the local government elections. ANC provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni confirmed that a letter has been sent to Mitchell, and correspondence was sent to councils to remove the expelled councillors.

Mbalula also penned a public letter, stating that members of the ANC and the SACP should inform the ANC who they will be campaigning for. Ngqentsu is expected to campaign for the ANC, but it has become clear that he will not be doing so in this election.

The ANC provincial leaders were scheduled to meet on Monday and Tuesday to announce replacements for Ngqentsu and the expelled councillors. Ngqentsu vowed that the Communist Party would challenge this matter politically and legally, writing to the Speaker to inform him that he is challenging him not to be a conveyor belt. Meanwhile, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the Western Cape named Nokufa Connie August as its candidate councillor for Ward 18 in Khayelitsha, despite her dispute with incumbent ward councillor Phindile George.