SACP Rules Out Coalition Arrangements with DA and FF Plus

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has secured seven council seats across six municipalities in the Western Cape, including the city of Cape Town, Knysna, Saldanha Bay, Drakenstein, Theewaterskloof, and Mossel Bay. The party received over 35,000 votes across the province in its first local government election contest as an independent party. In Knysna, the SACP secured almost six percent of the vote. This showing has positioned the party to play a role in coalition negotiations.

However, SACP provincial secretary Benson Ngqentsu has ruled out coalition arrangements with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus). Ngqentsu stated that the party would rather sit on the opposition benches than compromise its principles. He cited the DA and FF Plus as "politically compromised and tainted forces" whose primary interest is to exploit coalition negotiations for business deals.

The SACP is seeking coalition partners committed to protecting workers, preventing the privatisation of municipal services, and prioritising service delivery. Ngqentsu emphasised that the party wants to bring basic services back under government control. This stance may complicate negotiations in hung councils, particularly in Knysna, where the DA holds nine of the 21 council seats.

The DA would need support from other parties to secure a majority in Knysna. The SACP's position could impact the balance of power in the council. The party's performance in the local government elections marks a significant milestone, as it was its first contest as an independent party.

The SACP's national footprint was confirmed after securing 2.3% in its independent ballot debut. The party's showing in the Western Cape has given it a foothold in the province. The SACP's seven council seats are a notable achievement, given that it was its first local government election contest.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has reported that over 1,700 objections have been lodged as it prepares to gazette elected councillors. Municipalities have been given 14 days to convene council meetings after councillors were gazetted. The IEC's data also shows that PR lists remain the main route for female councillors.

The SACP's performance in the local government elections has set the stage for coalition negotiations in the Western Cape. The party's stance on coalition arrangements with the DA and FF Plus may have significant implications for the balance of power in hung councils. Key players will be watching closely as negotiations unfold.

Key points

• SACP secures 7 council seats in Western Cape, rules out coalitions with DA and FF Plus.
• Party seeks coalition partners committed to protecting workers and prioritising service delivery.
• SACP's stance may complicate negotiations in hung councils, particularly in Knysna.