The South African Communist Party (SACP) is experiencing internal divisions regarding its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently of its long-time ally, the ANC.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of SACP member Buti Manamela as minister of Higher Education has fuelled this debate, following the dismissal of Nobuhle Nkabane this week.
Manamela, who has been in leadership positions in the SACP, has been deputy minister for the last two terms.
In response to Manamela’s appointment, SACP spokesperson Mbulelo Mandlana expressed the party’s welcome of the move, highlighting Manamela’s experience and contributions to the higher education sector.
“The SACP welcomes the appointment of Comrade Buti Manamela as minister of Higher Education… We view this appointment as an acknowledgement of the contributions of Comrade Manamela,” Mandlana said.
He added that Manamela assumes the responsibility of the higher education portfolio amidst challenges that pose threats to the sector’s future and the legitimacy of key entities that are essential to the delivery of educational outcomes.
“The SACP remains committed to playing its role in the struggles taking place in the sector, including playing a critical role in the agenda of transformation, to promote access to education and to improve governance, manifesting in quality outcomes,” Mandlana said.
Sources within the SACP indicate that not all party structures across the country are in agreement with the decision to contest elections independently of the ANC.
Ramaphosa’s appointment of Manamela is seen by some as an olive branch extended to the SACP to reconsider its stance on contesting elections alone.
“We are one thing with the same ideals and focus. It’s not all of us who think we should contest elections against the same party we have been partners with for decades… it does not make sense,” a party source said.
Some within the party are considering alternative options if the SACP proceeds with its decision to contest elections independently.
In December 2024, it declared its intention to independently contest the 2026 local government elections. This decision was driven by the party’s belief in the necessity of “working-class representation” across South Africa’s economic, social, and political spheres.
Amid tensions between the SACP and ANC, particularly concerning the ANC’s formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) with the DA, this decision was made.
Ramaphosa has previously raised concerns that the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently could undermine the Tripartite Alliance and the national democratic movement.
“The SACP has been a strength behind the ANC; similarly, the ANC has been a pillar of strength to the SACP, and the two parties need each other… The two are like twins; separating them is to weaken our NDR,” Ramaphosa said.
Two weeks ago, the SACP Linda Jabane District in Johannesburg, Gauteng, decided to approach the 2026 local government elections differently from their national counterparts.
This was after the party held its 11th district congress in Johannesburg on July 4, where they elected new leadership.
Its secretary, Afrika Masoa, said that the district’s resolution is in line with the National Congress resolution on State and Popular Power, which demands that all structures, including the national office, engage with alliance partners, progressive forces, and the broad working-class on the implementation of the resolution.
Mandlana said the party had not changed its stance from contesting the next year’s elections independently from the ANC.
