DUNCAN VILLAGE, EASTERN CAPE — As the 2026 Local Government Elections draw near, the African National Congress (ANC) remains highly confident in its ability to retain the Buffalo City Metro and expand its current seat count. This assurance was highlighted by ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula during a community engagement in Duncan Village, where he outlined the party’s strategic focus and governance commitments.
The ruling party has maintained an intensive campaign strategy, with leadership emphasizing that they are campaigning vigorously until the very end. Mbalula noted that the party is not relenting and recognizes that no vote is guaranteed, choosing instead to focus on direct voter engagement and their own policy messaging rather than the maneuvers of opposition parties.
This focused approach comes despite the party navigating several logistical hurdles along the campaign trail. Notably, the ANC had to resort to the Constitutional Court to secure ballot access for over a hundred of its candidates. However, the leadership maintains that they have done everything possible to ensure a successful and organized campaign.
Addressing Service Delivery and Governance
Speaking to the realities facing citizens, Mbalula pointed to the midterm budget tabled the previous Thursday as a direct reflection of the government’s response to current socio-economic challenges. As the incumbent party, he stressed that their primary concern remains the tangible message and results they deliver to the people.
A significant portion of the community engagement focused on pressing service delivery challenges, specifically water provision in the province. Mbalula assured residents that the issue is receiving urgent attention. He explained that collaborative infrastructure projects undertaken by the national department, government, and local municipalities are actively underway. According to the Secretary General, these efforts are expected to normalize water supply across different communities within the next couple of months.
Rally Preparations and Electoral Targets
Looking ahead to the final stretch of the campaign, preparations are well underway for a major rally scheduled for this Sunday at Sisa Dukashe Stadium located in Mdantsane. Party President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the keynote address, further intensifying the ANC’s push to secure a decisive victory at the polls.
The party currently occupies 61 seats in the Buffalo City Metro. Buoyed by their ongoing infrastructure projects and intensified voter engagement, the ANC is projecting confidence that it will not only retain the metro but do so with an increased number of seats in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.
