By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula has outlined the party’s roadmap to stabilise local government ahead of the upcoming elections.
Mbalula was briefing the media at Luthuli House on Monday, 20 April 2026.
He indicated that the party’s campaign would prioritise grassroots engagement, service delivery issues and strengthening internal structures at municipal level.
South Africa is expected to hold local government elections later this year, with the voter registration weekend already scheduled for June 2026.
These elections are seen as a key test for the ANC as it seeks to retain control of several municipalities while improving its performance in major urban centres.
Mbalula admitted that the ANC only holds outright control of two metros: Mangaung and Buffalo City. In all others, the party relies on coalitions.
He announced that a new bill regarding thresholds for “principled coalitions” is a priority for the post-roll-call action plan.
Mbalula, said the mayoral position must be earned through merit, discipline, and capacity.
The Secretary General said the selection process would include interviews, vetting, and political background checks, adding that the party was looking for only the best.
“Their leadership roles in society and governance capabilities, whether they fit the role of a mayor in the metro and the role of a mayor in the secondary cities. We want the best of the best.”
According to Mbalula, all selected candidates would undergo structured training and induction, including programmes facilitated through the OR Tambo School of Leadership, to ensure alignment with party policies, governance frameworks, and the electoral strategy.
Candidates would also be required to develop clear, implementable local programmes of action for their cities and towns, aligned to the ANC’s 2026 Manifesto.
Mbalula also said he would next week write to members who hold dual membership in both the ANC and the SACP, giving them 10 days to indicate under which party they intend to stand in the elections.
“The SACP is not expelled from the ANC, dual membership will remain, but there will be no dual contesting of elections. No members will contest for both the ANC and the SACP,” he said.
Mbalula said the ANC will officially launch its local government election campaign in July 2026.
In August 2025, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced that South Africa’s local government elections will be held between Nov. 2, 2026, and the end of January 2027.