The South African Communist Party (SACP) has secured seven municipal council seats across six municipalities in the Western Cape. The party has outlined its priorities, which include focusing on municipal issues, particularly in Knysna, and addressing the needs of working-class communities. The SACP's priorities include the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), working conditions, and proper sanitation. The party regards its seven seats as an important leverage to assert and advance the working-class voice within municipal councils.
The SACP has stated that its elected representatives will be expected to fight against the exploitation of EPWP workers as a source of cheap labour and campaign for their transition into permanent employment. They will also champion the right to work, decent work, and improved working conditions, while advancing access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and dignified human settlements. The party's councillors will be expected to serve all wards within their respective municipalities, irrespective of where the party had secured electoral support.
The SACP has unequivocally stated that it will not enter into any governing arrangement with the Democratic Alliance (DA) or the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), under any circumstances. This decision is part of the party's strategy to advance a programme that places working-class interests at the centre of municipal governance. The SACP's position on coalition politics is clear, and it will focus on serving working-class communities and advancing their interests.
Other parties, such as the Africa Restoration Alliance Party (ARA), have also outlined their priorities for the Western Cape municipalities. ARA has stated that it is not in politics merely to occupy seats, but to make a difference in people's lives. The party's commitment is to fight injustice, hold the government accountable, improve service delivery in every ward, and ensure that residents are heard. ARA's City of Cape Town councillor, Malcolm Jacobs, will focus on creating jobs, securing fairer EPWP wages, and holding authorities accountable.
The GOOD Party and RISE Mzansi have secured 23 council seats across 12 municipalities, including six in Cape Town, and are preparing for formal coalition negotiations. The GOOD Party has announced its proportional-representation (PR) councillors and outlined six non-negotiable pledges, including making the city more affordable, stopping the disposal of public land, and building affordable public housing. The party's secretary-general, Brett Herron, has stated that the party will focus on these priorities to make a positive impact in the Western Cape.
The DA retained control of the City of Cape Town, receiving 56.42% of the vote, down from the 58.33% it recorded five years ago. The party's priorities include housing, accountability, the disposal of public land, basic services, and workers' rights. The DA's victory in the City of Cape Town has significant implications for the Western Cape municipalities, and the party will need to work with other parties to address the region's challenges.
The SACP's decision to rule out coalitions with the DA and FF+ reflects the party's commitment to advancing working-class interests and serving communities. The party's priorities for the Western Cape municipalities are clear, and it will focus on addressing the needs of working-class communities. The SACP's seven municipal council seats will be used to assert and advance the working-class voice within municipal councils, and the party will work to make a positive impact in the region.
Key points
- SACP rules out coalitions with DA and FF+ in Western Cape municipalities
- SACP prioritizes municipal issues, EPWP, working conditions, and proper sanitation
- GOOD Party and RISE Mzansi prepare for coalition talks in Western Cape municipalities
