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How the SACP Plans to Fund Its First Independent Election Campaign
SACP stands its ground on independent elections
The South African Communist Party (SACP) is pushing ahead with plans to contest elections on its own, brushing aside suggestions that it lacks the financial muscle to survive without the African National Congress (ANC).
For the first time in its history, the party intends to step into the ballot box without the shelter of the tripartite alliance. The decision has unsettled its longtime ally, the ANC, which openly doubts whether the communists can fund and sustain an independent campaign.
“Not a wealthy organisation”
SACP spokesperson Mbulelo Mandlana acknowledged that the party does not have deep pockets. “The communist is not a wealthy organisation for obvious reasons, being a communist party in a capitalist country,” he explained. But he insisted that money would not define their campaign.
Instead, the party plans to lean on its grassroots connections and mobilise resources in ways that remain true to its values. Mandlana stressed that any fundraising will comply with SACP’s principles and ethics, steering clear of big business or commercially driven donors.
Dual membership tension
One of the most complex issues facing the SACP is that many of its members also carry ANC membership cards. The overlap could cause loyalty dilemmas once election campaigns get underway.
Mandlana, however, downplayed the risk. He said members had both a moral duty and the political discipline to stand firmly behind the SACP when called upon. In his view, dual membership is no crisis, even if the ANC believes otherwise.
ANC sees danger in the split
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has been vocal in his opposition. He described the SACP’s decision to run separately as a potential disaster for the alliance, arguing it could weaken the shared project of the National Democratic Revolution.
For Mbalula, the alliance only works if the communists accept their traditional role alongside the ANC. By stepping out on their own, the SACP risks creating head-to-head battles with ANC councillors, especially where members hold dual membership and might have to choose sides.
Cracks in the alliance
The tripartite alliance of the ANC, SACP, and Cosatu has held together for decades, but the strain is showing. The SACP’s bold move to test its strength at the polls marks one of the most serious challenges yet to the arrangement.
Meanwhile, the ANC is moving to shore up its own base. The National Executive Committee is expected to hold a roll call with all councillors this weekend to discuss service delivery and election preparations.
The SACP’s gamble may reshape local politics, especially if its campaign funding strategy proves effective. For voters, the next election season could mark a turning point in the balance of South Africa’s left-wing politics.
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Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: Polity.org
