ANC NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MOVES TO ADDRESS SACP ALLIANCE CRISIS

The African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) has concluded a critical Special Meeting to address the growing rift within the Tripartite Alliance. The meeting, held in accordance with the mandates of the 5^th National General Council, focused specifically on the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) recent decision to contest local government elections independently of the ANC.

The NEC described its deliberations as frank and constructive, guided by the mission to defend the National Democratic Revolution. As the highest decision making body between conferences, the NEC resolved on clear positions aimed at strengthening the movement and consolidating the unity of the revolutionary Alliance. This comes as the party begins positioning itself for the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.

Formal Communication and Engagement

The immediate task following the meeting is for the ANC to formally communicate its decisions to the SACP and other alliance partners, including COSATU and SANCO. The ANC leadership emphasized that these engagements will respect the long standing traditions of consultation and mutual respect that have defined the Alliance for decades.

While the specific details of the NEC’s internal resolutions were not fully disclosed in the initial statement, the party promised further communication in the coming week. This will include the outcomes of the high level meetings with the SACP. The goal is to ensure that the broader society and all structures of the movement are properly informed and guided on the official ANC positions regarding independent election contests.

Commitment to Unity and Transformation

Despite the current friction, the ANC remains committed to its role as the leader of the revolutionary Alliance. The party stated that its priority is to ensure the Alliance is positioned to secure a decisive victory in the 2026 elections. The focus remains on fixing local government and transforming the economy in line with national objectives.

The ANC leadership has called on all its structures and members to remain disciplined and focused during this period of critical engagement. Media interviews regarding the outcomes will only be conducted once these consultations with alliance partners are completed, following established organizational processes.

A Strategic Moment for the Movement

The meeting took place against a backdrop of historic commemorations, including the execution of Solomon Mahlangu and the assassination of Chris Hani. These anniversaries served as a reminder of the shared history and sacrifices made by members of both the ANC and the SACP. The final decisions of the NEC will likely determine whether the Alliance can bridge its current divides or if it is moving toward a permanent shift in how it approaches electoral politics.