‘We Know Who’s Failing Us’
In a bold move to tackle governance failures, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has put the spotlight on underperforming mayors in the Free State, signalling major changes ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Speaking at a media briefing during the party’s special national executive committee meeting in Johannesburg, Mbalula made it clear that the ANC will not tolerate inept leadership any longer. This comes as the party grapples with widespread service delivery issues, high unemployment, and public demands for accountable representatives.
The special meeting, held from 4 to 6 October 2025 at the Birchwood Conference Centre, aims to address key challenges facing the nation. Mbalula’s remarks highlighted the ANC’s commitment to renewal, with a focus on improving local government performance and sharpening economic strategies. As South Africans continue to face tough times, including job losses and rising living costs, the ANC is positioning itself as a movement ready to act decisively.
Urgent Interventions in Local Government
Urgent Interventions in Local Government
Mbalula stressed that the ANC is preparing to make sweeping changes in local government across all provinces, informed by a detailed report on service delivery and the performance of public representatives. He announced that in the coming weeks, the party will brief the media on major interventions, including the removal of non-performing mayors and councillors. “We know who’s failing us,” Mbalula said, emphasising that deployment is a responsibility, not a privilege, and the ANC will recall those who fall short.
In the Free State, the focus is sharp. The provincial executive committee has already identified seven municipalities for intervention: Mafube, Moqhaka, Letsemeng, Nketoana, Nala, Masilonyana, and Lejweleputswa. These areas have been plagued by governance failures, including poor service delivery, financial mismanagement, and internal party disputes. Recently, Mbalula stepped in to temporarily halt the suspensions of seven mayors who defied orders to resign, allowing for a more thorough review. This decision followed appeals from the mayors, who argued that the process lacked fairness and violated party rules.
For instance, in Mafube, the mayor was given less than 24 hours to step down, sparking claims of politically motivated actions. Similar issues have arisen in other spots, like Matjhabeng, which has faced serious allegations of wrongdoing but was spared from immediate changes. The ANC’s local government intervention task team is now zeroing in on these municipalities, assessing everything from water supply and sanitation to road maintenance and electricity provision. The party has warned that funding for infrastructure will be withheld from 21 councils in the province until they show real improvements.
This is not the first time the Free State has come under scrutiny. Past cases, such as the interdiction of the Mangaung mayor from performing duties due to irregular election processes, highlight ongoing problems. In Kopanong, a mayor was directed to be suspended after a violent confrontation with a resident over road conditions, showing the party’s willingness to act on unbecoming conduct. Mbalula’s message is clear: mayors must deliver visible results within set timelines, like 100 days for basic services, or face the consequences. Reviews every three months will ensure accountability, with non-performers shown the door.
Strengthening Candidate Selection for 2026 Elections
Looking ahead to the 2026 local government elections, Mbalula outlined a rigorous process for selecting candidates. “This is not just about compiling lists; it’s about the quality of leadership we put before our people,” he explained. Candidates will emerge from community consultations, face strict vetting, and be judged on integrity, service records, and delivery skills—not factional ties.
The ANC has learned from past pitfalls, such as rushed vetting that allowed unqualified individuals to slip through. Now, the party is emphasising community involvement to ensure representatives are rooted in the people they serve. Guidelines, to be finalised at the NEC meeting and made public soon, will include interviews for top positions like mayors. Mbalula noted that unlike other parties, the ANC does not treat selection like a job interview but tests candidates through community affirmation.
To avoid disruptions from factional battles, which have often undermined service delivery, the ANC is drawing a firm line. Provincial leaders have been warned not to remove mayors without approval from Luthuli House. Examples from the Free State, like court battles in Matlosana where officials ignored instructions, underline the need for control. The party plans unannounced visits to assess progress on the ground, starting with direct talks to residents before engaging local leaders. A local government barometer, due in November, will track commitments from the party’s manifesto, covering basics like clean water, refuse removal, and housing.
Addressing Coalition Challenges and Mutual Respect
Mbalula also touched on coalition dynamics, particularly in Johannesburg, where recent tensions with the Patriotic Alliance have raised concerns. He emphasised mutual respect among partners, saying the ANC cannot dictate to other parties who they deploy, just as they cannot interfere in ANC choices. “We must respect each other,” he said, noting that the people did not give any party an overwhelming majority.
The issue stemmed from the reinstatement of a Patriotic Alliance deputy president linked to controversies, but Mbalula clarified that each party handles its internal matters autonomously. He dismissed threats to pull out of the government of national unity, stating that the ANC values constructive roles but will not be held to ransom over local disputes. This principled stance aims to stabilise coalitions, which have been unregulated and prone to instability, as seen in past debates over thresholds for forming governments.
Tackling Economic Woes Head-On
Unemployment remains the biggest threat to democracy, according to Mbalula, who cited recent research highlighting it alongside crime and the cost of living as top concerns for South Africans. The NEC will sharpen the ANC’s economic action plan, to be announced by the president on Monday. This includes measures to create jobs, support households hit by retrenchments, and boost growth in struggling areas.
The party is honest about the difficulties but bold on solutions. Interventions will focus on strategic sectors, with an emphasis on skills development and economic renewal. Mbalula warned against relying on leaked documents or rumours, urging the media to quote official communications only.
Other Key Matters: Ambassador’s Death and Party Infiltration
On the sidelines, Mbalula welcomed the South African Police Service sending a team to France to investigate the death of a former minister and ambassador, who reportedly fell from a building. He stressed the need to leave no stone unturned, respecting international protocols while assuring families and the nation of thoroughness.
He also addressed the status of Brown Makotzi, clarifying that his ANC membership has lapsed and he holds no significant role. Mbalula described such figures as infiltrators who damage the party’s image through name-dropping and dubious associations. “The ANC is infiltrated,” he said, calling for leaders to be distinguishable from criminals and urging vigilance against those who exploit proximity to power.
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