ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula Speaks About Renewal
Fikile Mbalula, the secretary‑general of the African National Congress (ANC), recently addressed members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in the Eastern Cape. He spoke openly about the challenges the party faces as it prepares for the 2026 local government elections.
Why Voters Are Losing Trust
Mbalula admitted that corruption and weak leadership have hurt the ANC’s relationship with many communities. He pointed out that only 15 % of municipalities received clean audits in the 2024/2025 financial year.
He also noted the drop in voter support: the ANC’s share of the national municipal vote fell from 53.9 % in 2016 to 45.59 % in 2021.
“The voters spoke to us in 2021; our share of the national municipal vote fell…”, he said, adding that South Africans are no longer willing to give the party an automatic mandate.
ANC’s Promise of Renewal
Mbalula stressed that renewal must be more than a slogan—it has to be visible in the party’s actions.
Concrete Steps Being Taken
- Every ANC councillor will sign a public performance agreement and a pledge of ethical conduct.
- Each ANC‑led municipality must publish a “state‑of‑the‑municipality” report within 60 days, detailing finances and service delivery.
- The party will report regularly to the public on what was promised, what was delivered, and what remains unfinished.
He linked this effort to the church’s work, saying local government is where “the gospel meets the street.”
What This Means for Teens and Young Voters
For young people who are just starting to engage with politics, the ANC’s message is clear: the party wants to earn back trust through transparency and accountability. If the promised changes are put into practice, it could lead to better services, cleaner audits, and more responsive local councils.
Conclusion
Mbalula’s speech highlights a turning point for the ANC. By acknowledging past mistakes and committing to measurable actions, the party hopes to rebuild its connection with communities ahead of the 2026 elections. Whether these promises turn into real change will be watched closely by voters of all ages.
