ANC accepts SACP's decision to contest elections independently

JOHANNESBURG -The African National Congress (ANC) said it has finally accepted that it can no longer convince the South African Communist Party (SACP) to reverse its decision to contest elections alone. 

Last year, the SACP resolved during its congress to no longer contest elections under the ANC banner. 

The SACP has in the past made similar statements and not followed through. 

READ: ANC says respects but disagrees with SACP's decision to contest elections alone

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said it does seem their alliance partner's mind is made up. 

"We might have reached a stage where we are unable to persuade the SACP from its decision of contesting elections and we believe, as the ANC that it will weaken the National Democratic Revolution. It is important that, if possible, the SACP must understand the implications of this particular decision."