The African National Congress (ANC) has officially announced that the South African Communist Party (SACP) will not participate in ANC election structures, processes, campaign activities or candidate lists, urging ANC members to act in full compliance with the party’s constitution.

This followed the SACP’s decision to contest elections independently, a move the ANC warns carries “clear organisational consequences".

During a media briefing on Thursday, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula clarified that the SACP’s resolution to contest independently, adopted in 2022, created a “new political reality”.

Mbalula noted that independent contestation by the SACP introduced direct political competition.

“Experience from recent by-elections confirms that independent contestation creates confusion among supporters and divisions within communities,” he stated.

He acknowledged that while the alliance had delivered essential gains in social protection and democratic rights, the party was still reeling from the electoral setbacks of 2024.

He cited persistent inequality, unemployment, and declining public confidence as factors that had weakened the movement.

He highlighted that the ANC had, over an extended period, engaged the SACP and other Tripartite Alliance partners to preserve unity and avoid fragmentation.

“… however, these engagements did not yield consensus, and the SACP has proceeded with preparations to contest elections, including participation in by-elections,” he explained.

He pointed out that the ANC's National Executive Committee was concerned that this development risked fragmentation, weakening the Alliance, and undermining the broader transformation agenda at a time when the democratic movement faced both internal weaknesses and coordinated external pressures.

“Experience from recent by-elections confirms that independent contestation introduces direct political competition with the ANC, creating confusion among supporters and divisions within communities,” he said.

Mbalula said the ANC constitution was explicit in regulating conduct during elections, providing that no member may stand for election, campaign or canvass in opposition to a candidate endorsed by the ANC.

“This provision applies without exception and constitutes a binding organisational rule that ensures coherence and discipline in the electoral arena.

“In line with this constitutional framework, the NEC has reaffirmed that all members of the ANC are obligated to campaign for the ANC and its candidates in all elections. This obligation is binding on all members, including those who hold dual membership with the SACP,” he said.

To ensure clarity, consistency and discipline across the movement, Mbalula said the NEC had directed that all ANC members, including those serving in leadership structures and public office, must declare whether they will campaign for the ANC or any other political formation.

He said failure to do so would be interpreted as a commitment to campaign for the ANC in accordance with the oath of membership.

“Any conduct that undermines the ANC’s electoral campaign will attract immediate organisational action to safeguard the integrity and cohesion of the movement,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the SACP has directed its members to ignore the ANC dual membership ultimatum, calling it an attempt to disenfranchise members and erode the basis of the alliance.