Fikile Mbalula Says ANC Leadership Will Be Judged by 2026 Election Performance, South Africans React

• Fikile Mbalula responding to questions about the African National Congress's standing ahead of the 2026 local elections
• The ANC Secretary-General discussed how a poor result would reflect on the current leadership of the party
• South Africans weighed in on Mbalula's comments about the party and the elections, sharing mixed reactions to them

GAUTENG - African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has conceded that a weak performance in the 2026 local government elections would amount to a negative verdict on the party's sitting leadership.

Speaking at a media briefing at Luthuli House on 8 September, Mbalula fielded questions about the ANC's electoral prospects and was direct about the consequences of failure.

"If you lose, it reflects on the leadership," he told journalists.

"It will be said that in history, our leadership has failed in two elections dismally."

Mbalula admits that the party was putting in the work

The ANC SG also stated that ANC members with ambitions to lead the party would use a poor result as grounds to remove the current leadership.

Despite the candid acknowledgement, Mbalula insisted the party was putting in the work to secure a win.

"We are working very hard for victory. And we are going to register victory for the ANC," he said.

He emphasised the stakes of the upcoming vote with a phrase that has become something of a rallying call internally: "There is no 2027 without 2026."

How did South African react?

Social media users reacted swiftly to the briefing.

Mzoxolo Mdiza wrote:

"Already blaming IEC while it is them who failed to register candidates because of infighting — everyone wants to be a candidate."

Patric Badugela added:

"ANC is already damaged. Zuma damaged it. Mbeki damaged it."

Desiré van der Merwe said:

"Get rid of the ones on suspension with full salaries."

Kwena Kelly suggested:

"Tighten your shoelaces. You are just approaching the fast and furious moment of your own making."

Mlungisi Phakamile Bolani added:

"That would be the end of the arrogant rule."

Mbalula asks church to pray for ANC

Briefly News reported that Mbalula addressed members of St John's Apostolic Church in Katlehong, asking them for their votes.

The African National Congress Secretary-General also asked the church to forgive party members for their transgressions.

South Africans weighed in on Mbalula's comments, with many criticising the former Police Minister for his appeal.

Source: Briefly News