In an intensification of the battle in the alliance over the upcoming local polls, the ANC national executive committee (NEC) has given its members and leaders with dual affiliation to the SACP ten days to choose which organisation they will campaign for in the run-up to the 2026 local government elections.
If the ANC goes ahead with the ultimatum, it will have serious implications for all dual membership holders, including higher education minister Buti Manamela; science and technology minister Blade Nzimande; deputy finance minister David Masondo; and Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba.
The directive follows a tense meeting on Friday, after more than a year of failed attempts to persuade the SACP not to contest the polls.
The move escalates the toxic standoff between the alliance partners, forcing those with dual membership to pick a side as the ANC prepares for municipal campaigns against what is now effectively an electoral rival.
The NEC resolution has been described as a “checkmate move” bound to isolate SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila, who is the uncompromising champion of the party’s congress resolution to contest elections independently of the ANC.
In a statement issued on Friday, the SACP said it intends to contest elections directly to amplify the voice of the working class and the poor, while maintaining its commitment to the alliance and its reconfiguration.
A discussion paper of the party further noted that “both organisations should reaffirm that dual membership remains a cornerstone of organisational unity and working-class leadership”.
The NEC ultimatum comes after more than a year of the ANC pandering to the SACP in efforts to convince it to reconsider its decision to go it alone in the local government elections.
But efforts to broker an agreement over the issue have fallen flat, as the SACP continued fielding candidates in by-elections in several municipal councils. This forced the ANC national general council in December to push its NEC to take a final decision before the 2026 local government elections to avoid confusing ANC members and voters.
The NEC resolution, anchored in Rule 25’s clause that bars ANC members from campaigning for electoral opponents, is likely to cause a problem for several high-ranking alliance leaders, some of whom are ministers in the ANC-led government of national unity and MECs in provincial governments, who are likely to choose their political careers over the SACP.
The highest ranking dual membership holder is Manamela, who is also the head of elections for the SACP. If, in the 10-day period, Manamela chooses to campaign for the ANC, the SACP’s entire election campaign might be thrown into disarray.
SACP second deputy general secretary and finance deputy minister David Masondo and the party national chairperson Blade Nzimande, who is the minister of science and technology, must make the same decision.
In Gauteng, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Jacob Mamabolo must choose, as must the agriculture MEC in North West, Madoda Sambatha.
The same applies to Eastern Cape MEC for transport and community safety Xolile Nqatha, as well as Limpopo premier Ramathuba.
“We resolved that the SG (Mbalula) must write to all structures informing them that a person who is an ANC member must only campaign for the ANC and those with dual membership with the SACP must explain themselves within 10 days if they will comply with the directive or are choosing the SACP,” said a senior NEC member.
“The decision is in fact quite simple because it is about all members complying with Rule 25.7.14 of the ANC constitution, which is clear that no member is allowed to campaign, canvass for or participate in any organisation opposing the ANC.”
Other leaders said that the decision was a difficult one, given the more than 100-year relationship between the two formations. It was for this reason that the ANC NEC had avoided going for a full-on divorce with the SACP, opting instead for an ad hoc intervention aimed solely at the upcoming elections.
After the elections, said NEC informants, the debate would have to be revisited.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa even remarked that we must not get into rushed decisions but let us observe what sort of damage, if any, the SACP contesting will inflict on the ANC, and the impact thereof must inform the final decision.”
Speaking at the ANC Limpopo provincial conference two weeks ago, Ramaphosa cautioned that members who campaign outside ANC structures risk facing consequences, going as far as saying the views of a sitting ANC president are in fact official party policy.
- The ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) has imposed a 10-day ultimatum on members and leaders with dual membership in the SACP.
- These individuals must decide which organisation they will support in campaigning ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
- This move signals escalating tensions within the alliance between the ANC and the SACP regarding upcoming local polls.
- The directive aims to clarify political loyalties and streamline campaigning efforts from alliance members.
- The decision highlights internal competition and strategic positioning as the local elections approach.
