BOKSBURG, Gauteng — Preparing for what leadership describes as its most grueling political battle to date, the ruling party has conceded that the ANC 2026 local government elections pose a severe test to its historic dominance. This candid assessment emerged from a specialized, one-day National Executive Committee (NEC) summit east of Johannesburg, where officials gathered to formally adopt their electoral manifesto.
Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula did not mince words regarding the uphill climb the organization faces before voters head to the polls on November 4. Having secured only 46% of the vote during the 2021 municipal polls—dropping below the crucial 50% threshold for the first time—the party’s national support has since dipped to the 40% mark.
“We come from a 40% mark… shedding support,” Mbalula noted, emphasizing the need for a “dynamic” campaign strategy to secure a better outcome. “These elections are difficult on many fronts… we hope that we will be in a position to talk a different outcome come the 4th of November.”
The electoral landscape is further complicated by a highly fragmented ballot. The party must now contend with the absence of its traditional ally, the South African Communist Party (SACP), which has once again opted to contest the polls independently. Furthermore, a massive proliferation of new political entities means the ANC will be splitting the voter base with roughly 620 competing parties.
Strict Vetting Delays Mayoral Announcements
Despite the ticking 90-day clock before the November elections, the organization has yet to present its mayoral candidates to the public. Mbalula clarified that this holdup is intentional, stemming from a rigorous internal vetting mechanism designed to protect the party’s image.
“We don’t want to announce people and tomorrow they’ve got scandals,” he explained, confirming that the finalized list of candidates will be revealed on August 19 at Soweto’s Jabulani Amphitheatre.
The draft manifesto itself, described as the culmination of months of intense consultations with regional branches and policy professionals, will be officially launched four days later on August 23 at River Park in Diepsloot.
Internal Spat and “Dished Money” Allegations
Beyond electoral strategy, the Boksburg summit also addressed simmering internal disputes. Mbalula forcefully pushed back against accusations leveled by NEC member Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who allegedly claimed he distributed cash to influence leadership outcomes at a conference attended by more than 5,000 delegates.
Categorically denying the bribery claims, Mbalula pointed out that no authorities ever raided his home to find illicit funds. “I didn’t dish any money to anyone, and that is a fact,” he stated. “You can lay a charge against me.”
He announced a dual-pronged counterattack to clear his name: escalating the issue to the party’s Integrity Commission for internal resolution, and pursuing a “legal route” to uncover the origins of the rumors.
Notably, Dlamini-Zuma was absent from the Friday NEC proceedings, as she is currently traveling in Cuba. With the manifesto now adopted and internal grievances being routed through official channels, the party’s focus now shifts entirely to the daunting task of rebuilding voter trust over the next three months.
