The African National Congress (ANC) holds a Special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting today amid a period of unprecedented friction within the Tripartite Alliance. The gathering follows the South African Communist Party (SACP) resolution to contest the 2026 local government elections independently. This decision has sparked a series of hostile incidents that threaten the century-old partnership.
Incidents of Tension and Exclusion
The rift has manifested through public confrontations and symbolic exclusions both nationally and within Limpopo:
National Conflict: At a recent wreath-laying ceremony for Chris Hani, ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji launched a verbal attack on SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila. Malatji claimed the SACP was being led by a faction, causing a public spectacle at a solemn alliance event.
Limpopo Booing: During the 11th ANC Limpopo Provincial Conference, delegates booed SACP speaker Percy Ndlala. The hostile reception occurred in full view of senior provincial leadership.
Exclusion from Funerals: The SACP noted its exclusion from the official proceedings of the funeral for ANC veteran Dikeledi Magadzi, a move seen as a deliberate snub.
Digital Removal: SACP Provincial Secretary Dr. Chuene Malebana was reportedly removed from an ANC Elections WhatsApp group, signalling a breakdown in basic strategic coordination.
The Irony of Overlapping Leadership
Despite this growing acrimony, the leadership of the ANC in Limpopo remains deeply intertwined with the SACP. Several key figures in the newly elected ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) hold prominent positions within the Communist Party:
Dr. Phophi Ramathuba: The newly elected ANC Provincial Chairperson and Premier is also the SACP Provincial Deputy Chairperson.
Goodman Mtileni: The ANC PEC member and Provincial Organiser serves as the SACP Provincial Chairperson.
Stanley Chupu Mathabatha: The outgoing ANC Provincial Chairperson remains a member of the SACP Central Committee.
Pule Shayi: The newly elected ANC Deputy Provincial Secretary is also a prominent and active member of the SACP.
Day-Zero for the Alliance
Today’s Special NEC meeting is a “Day-Zero” moment because the ANC must decide how to handle this dual identity. If the SACP proceeds with independent election campaigns, the ANC may be forced to implement policies regarding dual membership.
The central question for the NEC is whether a leader can hold a high-ranking executive post in the ANC while their other political home actively campaigns against the ANC at the polls. While President Cyril Ramaphosa has called a split a historic mistake, the current climate of booing, verbal attacks, and digital exclusion suggests the alliance is closer to a formal break than ever before. For Limpopo, where the leadership of both parties is nearly identical, the fallout of today’s meeting will have immediate and profound consequences for provincial governance.