ANC and SACP to contest local elections separately, alliance strained
via The Citizen3 min read
The African National Congress ANC and the South African Communist Party SACP will not contest the upcoming local government elections as a united force. The SACP has decided to go it alone, despite attempts by the ANC to convince it otherwise. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula stated that any ANC members campaigning for or voting for the SACP will face severe consequences, emphasizing that members must choose between the two parties. Mbalula clarified that while the SACP's decision to contest separately is accepted, the ANC's constitution prohibits members from campaigning for another party. He maintained that the alliance itself remains intact, distinguishing this situation from the formation of Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe party. Political analysts suggest this development indicates a deepening strain within the ANC alliance. Dominic Maphaka, a political science and international relations expert from Unisa, believes the SACP is politically irrelevant and unlikely to gain significant electoral support, suggesting its standalone posture could further erode public trust in the ANC. Other analysts have previously indicated that while the SACP's move might fragment the ANC electorate, the SACP itself is unlikely to benefit substantially due to its limited voter support.
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EFF leader Julius Malema stated his party will not form alliances with the Democratic Alliance DA or the Freedom Front Plus FF+, describing such a move as undermining a progressive agenda. He made these comments while addressing delegates at a conference of the Botswana National Front BNF. Malema also spoke against anti-illegal immigrant sentiment in South Africa, advocating for the unity of all African states and emphasizing the interconnectedness of SADC countries. He expressed pleasure at being in Botswana, noting that his 13-year travel ban to the country, which stemmed from accusations of attempting to ignite regime change, was lifted in 2024.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called for long-term investment in education initiatives from businesses and civil society, emphasizing that Mandela Day efforts should create lasting benefits for schools beyond symbolic gestures. Speaking at Giyani Primary School in Soweto during a Mandela Day event, Gwarube inspected a new classroom block donated by Absa and facilitated by Ride4Hope, with Aspen also contributing. She highlighted the importance of partnerships between government, the private sector, and communities to enhance learning environments for South African children. Gwarube stressed that collaborations should address the real needs of schools and complement public investment, ensuring every child has a safe and appropriate learning environment. The Minister encouraged transparent and sustainable education projects, stating that the true measure of Mandela Day lies in the lasting impact of projects, such as new classrooms and support for teachers, rather than just the 67 minutes of volunteering. She concluded that sustained investment and collaboration are crucial for unlocking children's potential and securing South Africa's future.
The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga has arrested a 44-year-old suspect in connection with an attack that resulted in the death of a Police Sergeant and injury to a Police Constable. The incident occurred in Bushbuckridge on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo stated that officers located and apprehended the suspect at his residence on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The suspect allegedly attacked the officers with a sharp object during a domestic violence call-out, striking the 41-year-old police sergeant and pushing the 37-year-old police constable into a hole before fleeing. The sergeant was pronounced dead upon arrival at a medical facility, while the constable was admitted for treatment. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Saps in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the swift arrest, emphasizing that attacks on police will not be tolerated. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation DPCI – Hawks is handling the case.