“We the Left-wing Political Parties Can Never Return to ANC Even if Ramaphosa Resign Today” — Mpofu

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s Advocate Dali Mpofu has dismissed suggestions that left-wing political parties, including the MK Party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and South African Communist Party (SACP), would return to the African National Congress (ANC) if President Cyril Ramaphosa were to resign.

Mpofu, who represents the MK Party in ongoing political discussions, rejected the notion that Ramaphosa’s departure from the presidency would automatically pave the way for a political reunion between the ANC and parties that have increasingly positioned themselves outside the governing party.

The remarks come amid renewed political debate following the ANC’s disappointing performance in the 2026 local government elections, which has intensified questions about the party’s leadership, political direction and ability to retain its traditional support base.

Ramaphosa has faced mounting scrutiny over the ANC’s declining electoral fortunes, with political commentators and opposition parties continuing to debate whether a change in leadership could help the governing party recover its lost ground.

Mpofu’s position challenges the assumption that the political relationships between the ANC and its former allies could be restored simply through a change at the top of the governing party.

The MK Party has repeatedly criticised the ANC’s political leadership under Ramaphosa, with former president Jacob Zuma leading the breakaway political movement after years of internal disagreements within the ruling party.

However, Mpofu’s rejection of the proposed political realignment suggests that the future relationship between these parties cannot be reduced to the question of who occupies the Union Buildings.

The SACP, which has historically maintained an alliance with the ANC through the Tripartite Alliance, has also experienced growing tensions over the governing party’s political and economic direction. Meanwhile, the EFF emerged after a split within the ANC, with Julius Malema establishing the party in 2013.

The three formations have maintained distinct political identities, despite sharing some ideological positions, particularly around economic transformation, land reform and addressing historical inequalities.

Mpofu’s remarks also come at a critical moment for South African politics, as the 2026 local government election results have significantly reshaped the country’s political landscape.

With several municipalities requiring coalition arrangements, parties are increasingly being compelled to engage political formations they previously regarded as ideological opponents.

The MK Party has indicated its willingness to negotiate with various parties, including the ANC, EFF, IFP, ActionSA and SACP, while insisting that its coalition decisions should be guided by political interests, shared values and the needs of communities.

Mpofu has also argued that municipal coalition negotiations should prioritise service delivery rather than allowing national political disagreements to dominate discussions.

Ultimately, his rejection of the suggested return to the ANC reinforces the broader debate about political independence, ideological differences and the possibility of new alliances in South Africa.

As coalition negotiations gather momentum, the country’s political formations face the challenge of balancing their historical relationships, electoral mandates and ambitions for political influence.

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