SACP shares principles that will guide them during coalition talks

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has outlined the principles that will guide their involvement in coalition talks, particularly within the context of the Knysna municipality. This municipal council experienced a hung council scenario after the 2026 Local Government Elections, where no single political party managed to secure an outright majority.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) garnered nine seats out of the 21 available, the African National Congress (ANC) received four seats, while the Patriotic Alliance (PA) obtained two seats. The SACP, alongside the Freedom Front Plus and four other parties, each secured one seat apiece.

Benson Ngqentsu, the SACP’s provincial secretary, has articulated the party's stance on potential coalition partners. Ngqentsu has made it abundantly clear that the SACP is not keen on gaining the leadership of the council. Instead, the party is willing to take an opposition role, rather than collaborating with right-wing forces, such as the DA and the Freedom Front Plus.

Moreover, Ngqentsu emphasized that the SACP only wishes to work with parties that demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving the people of the region. The SACP's criteria for collaboration exclude parties involved in criminal activities or those whose objectives do not align with the party's dedication to public service.