SACP rejects ANC ultimatum over dual membership ahead of 2026 elections

Johannesburg – The South African Communist Party (SACP) has rejected an ultimatum from the African National Congress (ANC) requiring members with dual membership to choose between the two organisations ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila dismissed the directive, saying the party would not be pressured into abandoning its independent political path.

Solly Mapaila calls on members of the South African Communist Party to remain firm and not be shaken, stressing that the party will not accept any ultimatum from the African National Congress. He maintains that the SACP stands by its principles and independence, rejecting… pic.twitter.com/EbIKs68r7L

— newsnote (@newsnoteSA) April 23, 2026

He maintained that the SACP will proceed with plans to contest elections independently, warning that the ANC’s stance risks straining the long-standing alliance.

“We will not be intimidated into making decisions that undermine the integrity of our organisation,” Mapaila was quoted as saying.

“No Comrade shall submit to ultimatums”

– SACP Secretary-General Solly Mapaila urges members to remain calm and refrain from submitting resignations, following the ANC’s ultimatum.

The ANC has given dual members ten days to declare which group they will support in the upcoming… pic.twitter.com/Hv7yutaWZ2

— Kaya News (@KayaNews) April 23, 2026

Adding to the dispute, SABC News reported that the ANC has defended its position, insisting that members cannot belong to organisations that contest elections against it.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said dual participation in rival campaigns is incompatible with alliance principles.

[WATCH] There are still members of the SACP who remain committed to the ANC. The SACP should take into account, among other factors, that its decision is likely to create space for opportunistic behavior.

We do not anticipate a situation where expulsions will occur, as the ANC… pic.twitter.com/Of1mzcMW0C

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) April 23, 2026

“Communists are part and parcel of the African National Congress, but in the election campaign… you can’t serve two bosses,” Mbalula said.

“You can’t stand for the Communist Party and stand for the ANC. You must make a choice.”

The ANC reiterated its commitment to the Tripartite Alliance but stressed that organisational discipline must be maintained as it prepares for the upcoming elections.