The South African Communist Party has dissolved its KwaZulu-Natal leadership team after provincial officials refused to support national plans for running candidates separately from the African National Congress during the 2026 municipal elections. National party leaders announced the action during a virtual session on Monday, stating they lacked confidence in the regional executive's willingness to implement the independence strategy.
Themba Mthembu, who served as provincial secretary for many years, confirmed the dissolution and said top officials viewed the regional committee as unable to carry out the decision to compete separately. The provincial leadership had labeled the independence plan as ill-conceived, arguing that the party lacks sufficient grassroots organization to campaign effectively apart from its longtime partner. James Nxumalo, the regional chairman and former eThekwini mayor, led the group during this period of disagreement.
Party officials will name a temporary provincial structure within days to manage affairs ahead of next year's voting. The conflict reflects deeper tensions after General Secretary Solly Mapaila declared in August 2025 that his party would break from the alliance partnership established during apartheid resistance. The ANC lost its parliamentary majority after the 2024 elections and formed a coalition government with opposition groups.
Themba Mthembu, who served as provincial secretary for many years, confirmed the dissolution and said top officials viewed the regional committee as unable to carry out the decision to compete separately. The provincial leadership had labeled the independence plan as ill-conceived, arguing that the party lacks sufficient grassroots organization to campaign effectively apart from its longtime partner. James Nxumalo, the regional chairman and former eThekwini mayor, led the group during this period of disagreement.
Party officials will name a temporary provincial structure within days to manage affairs ahead of next year's voting. The conflict reflects deeper tensions after General Secretary Solly Mapaila declared in August 2025 that his party would break from the alliance partnership established during apartheid resistance. The ANC lost its parliamentary majority after the 2024 elections and formed a coalition government with opposition groups.
