The South African Communist Party says its decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently is not a break from the alliance but a push to advance working-class interests. General Secretary Solly Mapaila told media the move follows concerns over the direction of governance and the need for accountable representation. Mapaila says the party rejects what it calls attempts by the African National Congress to pressure its members, insisting the SACP remains committed to the broader struggle while asserting its independence in the electoral space.