Communists Condemn Corruption in Councils
South African Communist Party (SACP) officially launched the party’s Local Government Elections manifesto at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Soshanguve campus, with General Secretary, Solly Mapaila, condemning corruption within municipal structures while vowing the party prioritise service delivery.
Mapaila outlined key reasons for the party contesting the upcoming local government elections on 4 November 2026 independently, rather than under the African National Congress (ANC) -led tripartite alliance.
The manifesto launch outlined an alternative socialist framework aimed at confronting local municipal decay, poor governance, and systemic tender-based looting. The decision to launch their own manifesto marked a historic moment for the SACP, having last done that in 1994.
Mapaila stressed that party representatives will enter municipal councils solely to serve working-class communities diligently, while sharply criticising the Government of National Unity (GNU). He emphasised that collaboration with capital-aligned political forces has directly compromised working-class interests.
The SACP leader declared that every elected representative will be held accountable through strict ethical oversight. Their performance and integrity will be measured directly against the revolutionary legacy of the late communist stalwart Chris Hani.
“We are here not to just add other politicians into the councils. We are sending revolutionaries into councils,” Mapaila said.
He emphasised that party candidates must resist political greed, corruption, and the allure of petty privileges tied to public office.
“We are going to represent the interests of the people. The council seats are not opportunities for business or tenders.
“Every councillor here will be judged by the ‘Chris Hani Standard’,” he continued.
The SACP pledged to prioritise basic service delivery to restore dignity to neglected working-class areas.
Mapaila stated that the party will ensure unhindered access to electricity, clean running water, land, and food security. He also committed to ensuring all communities become safe places to live.
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