LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: What is the SACP’s real game plan?
Those who believe the South African Communist Party is the best-suited organisation to create a proper leftist movement are owed an explanation as to why the party would now be working with people it has previously scorned in this way.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has formally entered the 2026 local elections, marking a significant moment for the party. The SACP won 2.38% of the vote, casting questions on its real game plan and the future of a leftist movement in South Africa.
The party's entry into the elections highlights a growing trend of left-leaning ideologies in global democracies. The SACP is considered the only party that explicitly believes in this ideology. Despite winning a notable number of seats in councils, the question remains whether the SACP's performance justifies its existence, especially when compared to other parties making their electoral debut, such as Rise Mzansi and Build One South Africa.
Some argue that the SACP's strong showing signals the end of the Tripartite Alliance. However, when comparing the SACP's performance to previous ANC offshoots like Cope, the EFF, and the MK party, it appears that the SACP has fallen short. Factors such as not relying on personality or identity politics, and not being able to convert former ANC supporters, may have contributed to the party's weak performance.
It remains unclear if the SACP's primary goal is to pressure the ANC or to establish a proper leftist movement in South African politics. The SACP has shown a willingness to work with people it has previously criticized, which raises questions about its true motivations. In the past, the party has been critical of Julius Malema's leadership, yet it seems to support him now in his efforts to shift the ANC's direction.
As the next steps for the SACP are unclear, its primary objective and effectiveness in shaping South African politics remain to be seen.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
