As South Africa braces for upcoming local government elections, the African National Congress (ANC) is navigating two complex fronts: a measured approach to immigration policy and internal disciplinary proceedings involving senior party figures.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has publicly called for government caution in addressing the issue of undocumented foreign nationals, amid growing street protests from groups such as the March and March movement. The Secretary General’s remarks reflect the ruling party’s effort to balance public frustration with broader diplomatic and continental commitments.
Sanusha Naidu of the Institute for Global Dialogue described the immigration debate as a “vexing” issue for the ANC within the Government of National Unity. She noted that migration pressures have long formed an undercurrent in South Africa’s socioeconomic landscape, and that calls for restraint consider both domestic sentiment and the country’s international standing.
“The cautiousness is not about avoiding action, but about considering the imagery projected and the impact on South Africa’s foreign policy priorities,” Naidu explained. She pointed to parallel migration challenges in the United States, Europe, Canada, and parts of Asia—citing examples like Indonesia and Malaysia, where employment policies sometimes prioritize nationals—as evidence that no jurisdiction has easy solutions.
Naidu stressed that lasting progress requires regional coordination. She highlighted the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union as essential forums for developing shared migration protocols, warning that regional integration cannot advance if visa regimes and domestic policies obstruct the movement of people alongside goods and services.
Disciplinary Referrals Include Former Minister Sisisi Tolashe
In a separate development, the ANC confirmed that its Integrity Committee has referred five members to the National Disciplinary Committee. Among those named is former Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe, who was removed from cabinet following allegations that state funds were used to remunerate an individual employed in her daughter’s household, and that vehicles donated to the ANC Women’s League were utilized by her family members.
Tolashe, who continues to serve as president of the ANC Women’s League, maintains a strong constituency within the party. Naidu observed that while internal party mechanisms are vital for addressing disciplinary matters, allegations involving ministerial conduct also demand accountability processes at the national government level.
“These issues become entangled when we don’t separate party processes from governmental accountability,” Naidu stated, emphasizing the need for clarity between internal party hearings and state-level oversight.
Johannesburg Mayoral Race Remains Unsettled
With local elections drawing nearer, the ANC has yet to finalize its mayoral candidate for Johannesburg. Multiple reports indicate that several high-profile figures have declined the position, which Naidu characterized as exceptionally demanding given the city’s governance challenges.
She cited the ongoing dispute between the City of Johannesburg and Eskom over municipal debt—recently described by the Minister of Electricity as an unprecedented debt review process for a municipality—as illustrative of the complex portfolio awaiting the next mayor. The ANC must also contend with a competitive field, as the Democratic Alliance, Rise Mzansi, and ActionSA have all put forward mayoral contenders.
“The question isn’t just about finding a big name to draw votes,” Naidu noted. “It’s about finding someone willing to take on a role entrenched in complex coalition dynamics and service delivery challenges.”
As electoral preparations intensify, the ANC’s handling of migration policy, internal discipline, and candidate selection is likely to shape both public perception and voting outcomes. Analysts suggest that the party’s ability to align principled governance with responsive leadership will be central to its strategy in an increasingly multifaceted political environment.