The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has indicated that it is willing to put aside differences with its alliance partner, the South African Communist Party (SACP), following the local government elections.
The ANC lost its outright majority in several Eastern Cape municipalities, including Buffalo City Metro, where the SACP secured five council seats after contesting independently for the first time.
Nationally, the ANC received 30.76% of the vote. According to the final results announced on Sunday evening, the party secured outright control of 53 municipalities and emerged as the largest party in 128 municipalities.
Despite tensions over the SACP’s decision to contest independently, ANC Eastern Cape spokesperson Yanga Zicina said the alliance remains intact.
“The ANC is in alliance with the SACP and that alliance remains alive,” Zicina said, indicating that the communist party would be a preferred coalition partner.
The ANC has not ruled out forming a coalition with the SACP in Buffalo City Metro, although the SACP says it is still considering its options.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Executive met on Saturday to discuss its approach to coalition negotiations.
The negotiations will determine governing arrangements in municipalities where no party secured an outright majority.
