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ANC Secretary-General Mbalula Calls Election Results 'Catastrophic', Rejects Begging for Mayorships
ANC Secretary-General Mbalula Calls Election Results 'Catastrophic', Rejects Begging for Mayorships
African National Congress secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has described the party’s performance in the 2026 local government elections as a "catastrophic outcome," despite the ANC retaining its position as the national leader with just over 30 percent support. Mbalula emphasized that the party will not rush into coalition negotiations and rejected the notion of begging for political positions, stating the ANC is open to remaining in opposition or entering confidence-and-supply arrangements.
African National Congress secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has characterized the party’s performance in the 2026 local government elections as a "catastrophic outcome," acknowledging that internal polling had failed to predict the severity of the decline. Despite the ANC still leading nationally with just over 30 percent support, Mbalula stated that the leadership was aware difficult results were imminent, noting that previous internal polls suggested the party could secure at least 34 percent support.
"We knew this outcome was coming," Mbalula said during a press briefing. He clarified that the party is not rushing into coalition negotiations while it assesses results across municipalities. "As we speak, there are no formal talks under way," he said, adding that when discussions begin, the ANC will approach them in good faith.
Mbalula outlined strict conditions for any future political arrangements, insisting they must prioritize people and stand squarely on the constitution. He demanded clear, honest priorities agreed upon in advance with "no secret carve-outs for the benefit of one party or another." Crucially, he rejected the idea that the ANC is desperate to secure mayorships or senior positions through deals.
"But we will not negotiate with anyone with a cap in their hand, begging," Mbalula declared. "We are not in the business of begging for mayorship or any other positions." He emphasized that a national doctrine would guide the party’s approach, focusing on service delivery rather than political maneuvering.
The secretary-general confirmed that the ANC is considering a range of options beyond traditional coalitions, including remaining in opposition or entering confidence-and-supply arrangements. "That is not the only option we are looking at," he said, noting that the party would analyze every municipality carefully to determine the best path forward under the new doctrine.
Mbalula stressed that the ANC’s priority is rebuilding trust with communities through tangible service delivery rather than political deals. "We are not in the business of cutting deals. We are in the business of serving our people," he said. He warned that if the party has not heard what voters communicated through the election results, "we are lost." He added that essential services such as water, electricity, refuse removal, safety, and care for the vulnerable do not pause for politics.
The ANC’s national executive committee is expected to meet this week to reflect on the election results and finalize the party’s strategic approach. Meanwhile, Mbalula confirmed that the party has called for a recount in Gauteng and is awaiting the outcome. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) revealed by 3 p.m. on Saturday that it had received 197 objections regarding the vote count.
F.Cabrera--HdM
