South African Communist Party
The South African Communist Party is a Marxist-Leninist political party that operates in alliance with the African National Congress (ANC) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) within the Tripartite Alliance. The party advocates for socialist transformation, workers' rights and economic redistribution in South Africa. It maintains a significant influence on policy debates within the governing alliance, particularly on issues of nationalisation, land reform and industrial strategy. The SACP does not contest elections independently but deploys its members to stand on ANC lists, securing representation in Parliament, provincial legislatures and Cabinet. The party's membership includes trade unionists, intellectuals and community activists, and it publishes the African Communist journal. Its headquarters are in Johannesburg, and it holds regular congresses to elect leadership and set policy direction. The SACP was founded in 1921 as the Communist Party of South Africa, making it one of the oldest communist parties in Africa. It was banned in 1950 under the Suppression of Communism Act and operated underground and in exile during the apartheid era, re-emerging legally in 1990. The party played a central role in the armed struggle against apartheid through its members' involvement in Umkhonto we Sizwe, the ANC's military wing.
South African Communist Party Updates
SACP statement on the President’s address on migration
10th June 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) welcomes the address by President Cyril Ramaphosa on migration and illegal immigration, in which he... →
SACP conveys its message of condolences to the family of renowned South African scholar John Pampallis
8th June 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) conveys its message of heartfelt condolences to the family of renowned South African scholar, educator,... →
SACP condemns xenophobic attacks and threats and calls for working-class unity and solidarity
5th June 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) overtly rejects and opposes the xenophobic violence and threats of violence against immigrants. There is... →
SACP tells members to ignore ANC's ultimatum on declaring political loyalties 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 23rd April 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) on Thursday strongly rejected recent directives from the African National Congress (ANC) National... →
SACP on the ill-advised appointment of apartheid-era politician Roelf Meyer as South Africa’s ambassador to the US
17th April 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) has noted with great concern the decision of the President of the Republic of South Africa to appoint Mr... →
Daily Podcast – April 08, 2026
By: Halima Frost 8th April 2026 Making headlines: South Africa accredits new US envoy amid tensions with Trump; DA’s Rasilingwane says Ekurhuleni ‘leadership crisis’ fuels her bid... →
EFF celebrates Iran’s ‘strategic victory’ following ceasefire with Trump
By: Thabi Shomolekae 8th April 2026 The Economic Freedom Fighters has reiterated its call for international accountability for US President Donald Trump, as it commended Iran’s... →
Statement on the bilateral meeting between the SACP and the United Africans Transformation
2nd April 2026 Today, the South African Communist Party (SACP) as led by our General Secretary, Cde Solly Mapaila, held a bilateral meeting with the United... →
Statement on attacks on Iranian Natanz nuclear facility
24th March 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) condemns that attach on the Iranian Natanz nuclear facility by the imperialist US and apartheid Israel... →
Mbalula says 'People’s March' a necessary, timely response to rise in imperialism, external pressure
By: Thabi Shomolekae 18th March 2026 African National Congress (ANC) secretary general Fikile Mbalula on Wednesday framed the upcoming “People’s March” as a reaffirmation of the “true... →
