ANC and SACP compete for POPCRU’s backing ahead of local elections

On 20 August 2026, leaders of the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party addressed the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) as both parties sought the union’s endorsement ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November.

Speeches at Popcru gathering in Boksburg

The interventions took place during Popcru’s central executive committee gathering in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula delivered a message that was read by ANC NEC member and Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale.

Mbalula said the Madlanga commission was established because the state could not tolerate wrongdoing within the police service and the criminal justice system. The commission followed revelations by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the article reports.

ANC appeal to Popcru members

Through Mathale, Mbalula urged Popcru to campaign, mobilise and vote for the ANC in the upcoming local elections. He framed the request as a responsibility and a “revolutionary call”, telling members to use their voice and structures between then and 4 November.

“What we are asking plainly is this: that between now and 4 November Popcru must use its voice, its structures and the moral authority it has earned since 1989 to campaign, mobilise and vote for the ANC in its local government elections. It’s a revolutionary call; it’s your responsibility to defend the gains of our freedom.”

Mbalula also defended the majority of police members as “honest, hardworking and often under-protected,” and said issues such as conditions of service, salaries, safe workplaces and psychological care are foundations of a capable state.

SACP counters with critique of ANC policy

SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila addressed the gathering as well and criticised ANC policy choices he said have produced service delivery failures. Mapaila linked shortages at police stations and state departments to budget cuts and austerity measures implemented by the ANC government.

“It’s the capitalist system that makes you work under the current conditions. It’s your choice. Austerity and budget cuts were imposed by capitalism,”

Mapaila said the SACP would respect Popcru’s eventual choice in November and argued that the party must be judged by what it stands for, while calling for working-class unity.

Union response

Both Mathale and Mapaila received applause at the gathering. The report notes that it was clear the union was slanted towards the SACP.

Background details cited by speakers

• The Madlanga commission was formed after revelations by Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
• Several senior police and traffic officials, including national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola, have testified before the commission.

The competing appeals underscored a broader contest for labour and union backing in the run-up to the 4 November local government elections.