Mbalula warns of uneven ANC support as 2026 local government elections loom

By Johnathan Paoli

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has warned that the former liberation movement faces starkly uneven levels of support across the provinces, with dominant backing in some regions but stagnation and serious decline in others — particularly urban metros where opposition parties and new movements are steadily eroding ANC ground.

Delivering his Midterm Report at the ANC’s 5th National General Council (NGC) at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni on Monday, Mbalula said the organisation must confront weakening structures and declining public confidence.

“Strong working relationships with ward councillors perform better electorally. Conversely, comrades, weak branches contribute directly to electoral decline,” he told delegates.

Eastern Cape: stable but no longer guaranteed

According to Mbalula, the Eastern Cape remains “the province where support shows some consistency”, maintaining its historical status as a pro-ANC region.

Despite sustaining base support in most municipalities, the report warns that this