ANC’s resistance to forming coalitions with DA welcomed by SACP

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has expressed approval of the ANC's decision to refrain from forming coalitions with the Democratic Alliance (DA) following local government elections that resulted in numerous municipalities being in a state of deadlock. During an NEC meeting, the ANC decided that a coalition with the DA should only be pursued as a last resort.

This stance was influenced by some ANC members who believed the party's poor performance in local elections was due to its partnership with the DA in the government of national unity (GNU). ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu emphasized the need for the ANC to reflect on and establish the most stable and effective coalitions to serve the people of South Africa.

The ANC, however, stated that it would seek agreements with parties that align with its election manifesto, focusing on transformation, service delivery, and the needs of poor households, as well as worker rights. The SACP's acting national spokesperson, Mhlekwa Nxumalo, praised the ANC's decision, stating that it acknowledges the potential negative impact of the ANC's coalition with the DA.

Nxumalo called for political parties representing the "African majority" to form a bloc against the DA and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), as the SACP has been advocating since 2024, highlighting the class conflict represented by the DA's policies and the ANC's stance. SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila urged the ANC not to form coalitions with the DA, urging all organizations with an "African majority" vote to unite against reactionary forces like the DA and the FF+.