ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the SA Community Party's (SACP) decision to contest the 2026 local government elections may have serious implications for their alliance, despite them agreeing to the matter.
Mbalula said they have agreed to continuously engage on the matter, including the modalities of the decision.
This also included how the decision would affect their relationship going forward.
The ANC, SACP and trade union Cosatu have been in the tripartite alliance since the dawn of democracy.
Mbalula made the remarks on the sidelines of the National Working Committee meeting which was held in Boksburg on Monday to discuss the poor performance of Gauteng and KZN during the May 29 elections.
On Sunday, SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila announced that the party would contest the local elections (LGE), independently.
He said the party will finalise the specifics of its independent campaign plan at its 5th Special National Conference, which is set for the next two weeks.
"After the Special National Congress, the Political Bureau and the Central Committee will delve into tactical details towards the 2026 local government elections.
"Following our all-important bilateral meeting with the ANC on November 24, 2024, going forward our engagement will be firmly guided by the outcomes of our Special National Congress," Mapaila said.
According to Mbalula, as far as this would affect the alliance, they agreed progressive talks will be held next year.
"And then at the ANC will discuss with them the implications of that decision in terms of its implementation because it has got serious implications for the alliance, that kind of decision," he said.
"We have agreed with the party and we want to respect that and we want to respect the party as an independent organ, but we did caution in terms of the ANC. We have cautioned against that, the party raised its own issues around it and we will engage, going forward," he stated.
He further mentioned this matter will be discussed with the ANC NEC and the outcome will be known from there.
Mbalula said the ANC would give itself enough time to properly analyse the issue, and the risks involved, before making a decision, adding "because sometimes you don’t have a choice because you are completely depleted on the ground".
Meanwhile, the two organisations have been at loggerheads with the ANC's involvement with DA in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
But they ironed out their differences.
All parties including new kids on the game are gearing up for the local elections.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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