ANC addresses SACP electoral independence, reaffirms alliance despite tensions
via The Citizen3 min read
The ANC has issued a directive to its members regarding the 2026 local government elections, while secretary-general Fikile Mbalula maintains that the South African Communist Party SACP remains an ally, not an enemy. This follows the SACP's decision to contest elections independently, a position reaffirmed in 2024. Mbalula stated that the ANC's stance towards the SACP is not hostile and that the SACP will not be labeled an "enemy of the revolution." The ANC's National Executive Committee NEC reaffirmed that while dual membership with the SACP is constitutionally protected, ANC members cannot campaign against ANC-endorsed candidates. Members have 10 days to declare their campaigning intentions. Mbalula clarified that this is not an ultimatum and outlined a process for SACP members within the ANC to be excused from ANC election structures. He emphasized that "no communist shall be hunted in the ANC." Both Mbalula and ANC Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane insisted the alliance remains intact, rooted in a shared history. Mokonyane acknowledged that the SACP has previously contested by-elections against ANC candidates, noting that competition does not signify the end of their relationship. Mbalula acknowledged the electoral risk posed by the SACP's independent contestation but stated the ANC cannot force the SACP's hand. He also reflected on the historical significance of SACP cadres to the ANC. Regarding a potential alliance between the SACP, EFF, and MK party, Mbalula d
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Former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula pleaded not guilty to 12 counts of corruption and money laundering as her trial began before the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The state alleges she solicited R4.55 million in bribes from South African National Defence Force SANDF contractor Nombasa Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu between December 2016 and July 2019, during her tenure as minister of defence and military veterans. The case was initiated after a criminal complaint by United Democratic Movement UDM leader and current Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa. Mapisa-Nqakula, who stepped down from Parliament after her arrest in April 2024, acknowledged that construction and upgrades were carried out at her home while she was minister but denied soliciting or accepting bribes. Advocate Paul Louw, presenting the state's case, outlined alleged payments through a detailed PowerPoint presentation, stating that Mapisa-Nqakula made 12 separate cash requests after contracts were awarded to Ntsondwa-Ndhlovu鈥檚 company, Umkhombe Marine. These requests allegedly resulted in payments totaling R2.15 million, with a further R2.4 million in requested payments unfulfilled. The prosecution detailed a timeline of contracts awarded to Umkhombe Marine, including a R1.5 million tender in 2013, a R24 million contract in 2016, and a R79 million contract in the same year. The state argued that the awarding of the third contract coincided with the first alleged payment r
The South African Union of Students Saus has called for an independent assessor to investigate governance issues at the University of Venda. This follows Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela's announcement that he would appoint an assessor after the precautionary suspension of the university鈥檚 vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bernard Nthambeleni, and chief operating officer, Botwe Kraziya. The suspensions occurred amid corruption allegations and after a 16 July council meeting failed to resolve the matter internally, leading to fears of litigation. Saus emphasized the importance of the independent assessor approaching the responsibility with impartiality, professional integrity, and a commitment to evidence-based findings.
The trial for the 1985 murder of anti-apartheid activist Bathandwa Ndondo has been postponed again after the presiding judge, Judge Buyiswa Majiki, recused herself. The Mthatha High Court, sitting in Cacadu, postponed the matter until Monday, 27 July, to allow for the appointment of a new judge. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed that Judge Majiki agreed to step aside after the defense for former Transkei Security Branch officer Gcinisiko Dandala, 68, raised concerns about her impartiality. The defense argued that Judge Majiki had been a student activist at the University of Transkei and participated in protests calling for the arrest of those responsible for Ndondo鈥檚 murder. Ndondo was also a student activist at the institution at the time. Judge Majiki stated she arranged for another judicial officer to preside to avoid delays from a protracted recusal application. Ndondo was abducted from his home in Cala by members of the Transkei Security Branch and Vlakplaas askaris, then shot and fatally wounded. Dandala鈥檚 previous application for amnesty before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was refused, with the TRC ruling the killing was politically motivated. The case is one of several unresolved apartheid-era murders being prosecuted under the TRC legacy framework, with Dandala arrested as the only surviving suspect after an extensive investigation.