ANC can no longer expect an automatic mandate from voters, says Mbalula
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says corruption and weak leadership have damaged the party’s relationship with communities ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has declared that the party can no longer rely on voter support as it gears up for the 2026 local government elections. Mbalula made the announcement at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in the Eastern Cape. He admitted that corruption and weak leadership have eroded the ANC's connection with communities.
According to Mbalula, only 15% of municipalities conducted clean audits in 2024/2025, and the ANC's share of the national municipal vote dropped from 53.9% in 2016 to 45.59% in 2021. This shift in voter sentiment indicates that South Africans are no longer prepared to grant the ANC an automatic mandate. Mbalula emphasized that the ANC's renewal must be evident in the conduct of its officials, councilors, and municipalities.
The party has introduced a public performance agreement and an ethical conduct pledge for every ANC councillor. Additionally, each ANC-led municipality will publish a state-of-the-municipality report within 60 days, detailing financial and service delivery information. Mbalula stressed that the ANC will be transparent and accountable, regularly reporting to the public on its commitments, achievements, and outstanding tasks.
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