Solly Mapaila Reveals How Left Parties And The ANC Can Take Control Of Hung Councils Together

The South African Communist Party (SACP) is holding discussions with various left-wing political organisations while exploring the possibility of working with the African National Congress (ANC) as political parties negotiate coalition arrangements in municipalities where no party secured an outright majority.

SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila believes that bringing together the electoral support of the ANC and other left-wing parties could provide enough council seats to establish governing majorities in certain municipalities.

The discussions follow the November local government elections, which produced a divided political landscape and forced several parties to consider coalition agreements to gain control of municipal councils.

However, the SACP has made it clear that the ANC should not assume it will automatically receive the party’s support. Mapaila has indicated that every proposed coalition arrangement will be assessed individually rather than endorsing one political organisation by default.

The communist party is instead working towards uniting left-wing political forces and exploring opportunities for cooperation in municipal administrations.

In its post-election statement, the SACP confirmed that it would engage with different political parties during the process of establishing new municipal councils. It emphasised that its priority would be agreements capable of delivering stable, transparent and accountable local government, rather than arrangements designed to benefit political leaders or influential individuals.

The party also announced that its negotiating team would be headed by first deputy general secretary Madala Masuku.

According to the SACP, it secured 271 council seats across the country, giving it potential influence in municipalities where its representation could determine which political parties form governing majorities.

The election marked an important moment for the organisation, as it contested under its own name for the first time since South Africa’s democratic elections began in 1994. This represented a major shift from its longstanding electoral arrangement with the ANC.

Another important factor influencing the negotiations is the SACP’s position on the Democratic Alliance (DA). The party has ruled out joining coalition arrangements involving the DA, which it considers incompatible with its political principles and programme.

This position could limit the ANC’s coalition options in municipalities where cooperation with the DA is being considered, while creating greater opportunities for discussions with left-wing organisations.

For the ANC, reaching an agreement with the SACP and other progressive political formations could provide an alternative to working with parties on the right. However, any potential partnership would require negotiations over policy priorities, leadership positions and the practical arrangements needed to run individual municipalities.

The SACP has repeatedly stressed that coalition agreements must promote effective administration, political accountability and improved service delivery for residents.

The Council of the Left, which was established through an initiative led by the SACP following the Conference of the Left earlier this year, is also expected to play a role in bringing progressive organisations together. The communist party plans to consult members of the council about the election outcome and what it means for future political cooperation.

Despite the possibility of cooperation between the ANC and left-wing parties, it remains uncertain whether their combined support will be enough to secure governing majorities in the municipalities where negotiations are taking place.

The SACP’s position leaves the door open for an agreement with the ANC, but makes it clear that any partnership will depend on negotiations and whether the proposed arrangements reflect the party’s political principles and priorities.

https://x.com/eNCA/status/2120902969109442864

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