By REGINALD KANYANE
29 July 2026 – The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West said it rejects the misleading remarks made by the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) provincial leadership during the recent South African Communist Party (SACP) Provincial Congress held at Ngwenya Hotel in Klerksdorp. The ANC said it views these statements as a regrettable departure from the traditions of revolutionary engagement that have historically defined the Alliance.
The ANC provincial spokesperson, Tumelo Maruping said ANC, SACP, COSATU, and SANCO remain bound together by a common commitment to the National Democratic Revolution (NDR) and the advancement of the working class and the poor. Maruping said all the developing contradictions must be addressed through principled organisational engagement that strengthens, rather than weakens, the revolutionary movement.
“The ANC remains the only political movement whose organisational character is firmly rooted in the democratic participation of its members and the people. From branch general meetings and community consultations to the selection of public representatives, the ANC continues to uphold the principle that leadership must derive its legitimacy from the collective will of the people.
“As proclaimed in the Freedom Charter, “No government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people.” It is this revolutionary principle that continues to guide the ANC as it prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections,” he said.
Maruping further said the ANC-led government in the North West remains firmly focused on implementing 2026, which is the Year of Decisive Action to Fix Local Government and Transform the Economy. He added that across the province, decisive interventions are being undertaken to improve roads, expand access to water, deliver quality housing, strengthen public infrastructure, stimulate local economic development, and create employment opportunities.
“These programs demonstrate the ANC’s unwavering commitment to improving the material conditions of our people while confronting the socio-economic challenges that persist. The ANC calls upon all Alliance partners to uphold the values of unity, revolutionary discipline, and constructive engagement.
“Our collective responsibility is not to trade in misinformation or public grandstanding but to consolidate the democratic gains of our struggle and deepen the confidence of our people in the Alliance. The people’s movement remains resolute in renewing the movement, strengthening local government, and building a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa,” said Maruping.
He said guided by the will of the people, the ANC will continue to lead society towards shared progress and a better life for all.
The Guardian 