Rustenburg – The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the Northwest has distanced itself from a declaration of support for the South African Communist Party (SACP) at the Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026.
SANCO Provincial Interim Committee Convenor, Paul Sebegoe, stated that the pronouncement made at the SACP Provincial Congress over the past weekend was not only unfortunate but divisive as it has undermined structures of the civic movement across the province and country at large.
“The misguided posture has equally undermined the unity process, including organisational discipline and the sacrosanct values espoused in the SANCO constitution,” stated Sebegoe.
SANCO is included in the Tripartite Alliance alongside the African National Congress (ANC), Congress of South African Trade Unions, and the SACP.
However, the SACP has opted, for the first time, to go it alone in the Local Government Elections.
The SANCO Provincial Interim Committee Convenor warned that the departure from established protocol and procedures that are supposed to guide decision-making at the highest level will have far-reaching implications.
He said this was so for individuals “who continuously undermine SANCO’s historic mission as the vanguard of our communities”.
Sebegoe asserted that SANCO does not exist for self-serving leaders but for communities; hence, extensive consultation would have preceded a decision of this magnitude, bearing in mind that only the National Conference can review a constitutional decision.
“The national leadership of the organization will have to move swiftly to protect the SANCO brand and clarify its position on the matter,” said Sebegoe.
He declared SANCO North West’s support for the ANC during the Local Government Elections.
Sebegoe said the move deepens transformation for the benefit of communities that are yearning for accountable, people-driven and community-centred development.
Sebegoe warned the membership of SANCO and communities “not to be misled by dubious characters” who do not meet the criteria to be elected as ANC councillors.
“As SANCO, we will support candidates that are endorsed by our communities and ratified by the extended alliance as per the guidelines,” said Sebegoe.
“We call on our members to work side by side with the ANC towards a decisive victory in the Local Government Elections.”
