Overview
- At parallel briefings Thursday, the ANC ordered members who also belong to the SACP to declare within 10 days which party they will campaign for, warning that those who back another party could face recalls or discipline.
- In its own briefing, the SACP told dual members to ignore the demand, not resign from government posts, and avoid public declarations without consulting party structures.
- The ANC said dual membership remains allowed but members may not campaign against ANC-endorsed candidates, framing the step as a practical move to prevent voter confusion before local polls.
- SACP leader Solly Mapaila denied claims of funding from Russia or China and said the party is short on cash, while pressing ahead with independent campaigning and a planned Conference of the Left.
- Analysts and party officials warn the split could draw from the same voter base and weaken both sides, and questions persist about the SACP’s ability to win seats without the alliance machinery.