The South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have agreed to establish a joint working group to participate in preparations for the Conference of the Left, through the establishment of a steering committee to develop a programme that defends democratic gains while advancing economic emancipation.

The working task team will comprise members from both organisations.

The Conference of the Left is set to take place ahead of the 2026 local government elections, with the aim of uniting “progressive forces”.

On Monday both parties held a “constructive” bilateral meeting in Johannesburg, as they reflected on domestic and international political and economic situations.

The SACP delegation was led by general secretary Solly Mapaila and the EFF delegation was led by leader Julius Malema.

The EFF said there was consensus that criticism within the left was necessary, but that “it must not degenerate into paralysis that leaves neoliberal and right-wing forces unchallenged”.

“…departing from a shared overarching critique of the global capitalist system with its domestic manifestations, in both historical and contemporary context, the bilateral meeting affirmed an ongoing cooperation rooted in anti-capitalist values and national transformation objectives,” the SACP said.

The EFF raised the need to urgently rebuild worker confidence through concrete programmes, such as the insourcing of workers and the cancellation of student debts, calling on the SACP to “join the struggles” inside and outside Parliament.

Malema emphasised that poverty had reached intolerable levels warning that South Africans had exercised “extraordinary patience” in the face of conditions that could easily result in social explosion.

The SACP said the bilateral meeting affirmed an ongoing cooperation rooted in anti-capitalist values and national transformation objectives.

“As the SACP, we maintain our commitment to building a popular left front to deepen the working-class struggle against capitalist oppression and laying the foundation for socialism,” the party said.