The latest directive from the ANC Secretary General marks the beginning of a high stakes period for South Africa’s oldest liberation movement. As the party starts selecting its candidates for the 2026 Local Government Elections, it is clear that this is more than just a routine process. It is a fight for survival.
The Warning Signs of 2021
The party is still haunted by the results of the 2021 municipal elections. For the first time since democracy began, the ANC saw its support fall below 50 percent. This collapse was most visible in the big cities. The party lost its grip on major economic hubs like Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane.
To stay in power in these metros, the ANC had to rely on “back door” deals and messy coalitions. These partnerships were often unstable and led to a revolving door of mayors and failing services. Many voters felt that the party was more interested in staying in office than in fixing the streets or picking up the trash.
The 2024 Earthquake and the Rise of MK
Things became even more difficult during the 2024 national elections. The ANC’s support dropped further to just 40 percent. This forced the party into a Government of National Unity with its long time rival, the Democratic Alliance.
While the ANC struggled to keep its old base, a new challenger appeared. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, took a massive bite out of the ANC’s numbers. This was especially true in KwaZulu-Natal. The MK Party proved that many traditional ANC supporters are willing to look elsewhere if they feel the “movement” has lost its way.
The Road to 2026
The document issued by Fikile Mbalula shows that the ANC knows it cannot afford another disaster. By ordering branch meetings to start on April 1, 2026, the party is trying to get ahead of the curve. They are emphasizing strict rules and community meetings to ensure that the people they pick are actually liked by the residents.
The goal is to weed out corrupt or unpopular leaders before the ballot is printed. The leadership knows that if they put up the wrong names, the voters will simply walk away again.
What Lies Ahead?
The future for the ANC looks uncertain. The era of one party dominance is over. South Africa has entered an age of coalitions where no single group holds all the power.
If the ANC can pick clean and capable candidates for 2026, it might stop the bleeding. If it fails, it risks becoming just one of many mid sized parties in a fractured political landscape. For a movement that once led the struggle against apartheid, the next few months will decide if it can still lead the country into the future.