PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — In a seismic shift for South African labor politics, the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) has officially endorsed the South African Communist Party (SACP) for the 2026 local elections. This landmark decision, which breaks the union’s long-standing tradition of voting for the ANC, was cemented during the organization’s 13th National Congress and reflects a broader push for an independent socialist movement.
The resolution highlights a growing formalized effort by public sector unions to build an independent working-class political force. According to the union’s newly elected president, Nyameka Macanda, this strategic pivot is a direct response to the nation’s highly volatile post-2024 political environment. By backing the SACP—which recently resolved at its own 15th National Congress to contest the upcoming polls independently, with or without the reconfigured tripartite alliance—NEHAWU aims to build class hegemony across all key spheres of power.
The fracture in the traditional labor alliance stems from deep-seated frustrations with the ruling party. Macanda pointed to the deteriorating relationship between the union and the ANC-led government, specifically citing the failure to honor “Resolution One of 2018.” The landmark agreement, originally signed between the two entities, was allegedly reneged on by the government in its final stages of implementation. Macanda noted that this broken promise deeply angered the workforce and served as a primary catalyst for the union’s political realignment.
Beyond political alliances, the 13th National Congress was heavily focused on immediate, on-the-ground struggles. Macanda emphasized that public sector employees are currently battling severe workplace challenges. She highlighted a combination of stagnant wages and critically high vacancy rates as major pain points. Consequently, the union has resolved to aggressively campaign for improved shop-floor conditions for its members.
Addressing her recent election, Macanda took the opportunity to clarify the historical record regarding her presidency. While celebrated as a new female leader at the helm, she corrected the record to note she is not the first woman to lead the national union, paying respects to her predecessor who held the position before her.
Looking ahead, the union faces the delicate task of navigating its position within the broader labor federation. As a COSATU affiliate, NEHAWU plans to take its pro-SACP stance to the federation. Macanda assured that the union will not force its political position on other COSATU members. Instead, they intend to actively persuade fellow affiliates to rally behind the SACP as the federation prepares for its own 15th National Congress.
Ultimately, the union’s leadership views the SACP as the ultimate defender of labor rights. Macanda summarized the union’s philosophy by declaring the SACP the “vanguard of the working class,” asserting that when workers are under siege, it is the communist party’s duty to stand firmly on their side.