African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President Paul Mashatile is set to deliver a message of support at the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) 5th Special National Congress in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, later this morning.
The congress takes place against the backdrop of the SACP’s decision to field its own candidates in the 2026 local elections, signaling a potential split from the ANC. This marks a significant shift in the alliance, as the SACP seeks to reconfigure its relationship with the ANC.
SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila has emphasized that the move aims to address long-standing frustrations over what the party views as weaknesses in ANC leadership and years of marginalization. According to Mapaila, independent participation in elections will allow the SACP to assert its influence and pursue its goals more effectively.
Despite Mashatile’s participation and an upcoming ANC-SACP bilateral meeting in January, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has acknowledged that efforts to persuade the SACP to abandon its plans are unlikely to succeed.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African National Civics Organisation (Sanco) are also expected to deliver messages of support at the congress, highlighting the broader significance of the discussions for the tripartite alliance.