ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji has expressed strong opposition to the South African Communist Party (SACP) decision to contest the 2026 local government elections, threatening that the party will not receive any support if they proceed with their plans.
Speaking at the Peter Mokaba memorial lecture in Khayelitsha, Malatji emphasized that SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila and his associates should break away from the tripartite alliance and run independently rather than dragging the communist party into their agenda.
Malatji asserted, “Solly Mapaila and friends must not assume they can overthrow the ANC. We must stand united and defend the ANC against any threats when it is under attack.”
He criticized the SACP for accusing the ANC of selling out by forming a government of national unity, which includes opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA). The SACP had previously vowed to contest the local elections separately from the ANC.
It remains uncertain whether the SACP will support the ANC by “donating” their votes as they have done in the past, given their decision to run independently. Both parties are expected to engage in discussions to address their differences.
Malatji went on to accuse Mapaila of seeking an alliance with the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, attributing this to the ANC’s failure to secure over 50% of the votes in the recent elections.
He warned against populism within the movement, urging members to remain loyal to the ANC and not abandon the party during challenging times. Malatji also criticized former President Jacob Zuma, labeling him a counter-revolutionary and the true enemy of the country.
As discussions between the ANC and SACP continue, the youth leader emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity within the alliance to combat external threats and maintain the ANC’s position in government.
