South African left-wing parties form municipal alliance with conditions for ANC

Several South African left-leaning political groups have established a new coalition called the Council of the Left, pooling their influence to coordinate policy across municipal councils while setting strict terms for any collaboration with the African National Congress.

Announced at a media briefing in Johannesburg, the alliance brings together the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the South African Communist Party (SACP), the African Congress for Transformation (ACT), and the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, along with other grassroots groups. Together, the participating organisations represent approximately 20 percent of the municipal vote.

The bloc stated that its joint municipal agenda aims to halt the privatisation of state assets, expand access to clean water and affordable electricity, build quality housing, and prioritise land distribution. It also called for the removal of right-leaning parties, specifically the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus, from the national government of national unity.

Representatives emphasized that member parties will still negotiate individually in current council talks. Dali Mpofu, national negotiator for the MK party, explained that the organisations are keeping in regular contact and intend to negotiate as a unified bloc in future elections based on lessons learned from this round of talks.

Mpofu also noted that the MK party had been approached by the DA regarding local government negotiations. He remarked that local councils focus on practical delivery, such as sanitation and power, rather than theoretical disputes, though he maintained that deep ideological differences with the DA remain intact. The DA had similarly initiated contacts with the EFF and SACP, according to Mpofu.

The African National Congress was notably absent from the gathering, despite its long-standing alliance with the SACP. The new bloc indicated that while an invitation had been extended to the ANC, municipal support would be conditional. Thato Wa Magogodi, first deputy president of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, stated that backing the ANC depends on its acceptance of the council's baseline programme and a willingness to break ties with the DA and Freedom Front Plus at the national level.

The ANC's vote share slipped to 30.75 percent in the local elections, placing it in second or third position across several critical metropolitan areas, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay. The loss of its outright majority has increased pressure on the party to seek working partnerships across the political spectrum.

EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini argued that the emergence of new, well-funded political organisations had fragmented voters who historically backed progressive movements. The council stated it will outline its subsequent political strategy after municipal councils are officially constituted.