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As South Africa approaches its local government elections, internal fractures within the African National Congress (ANC) indicate the party may emerge from the polls more deeply divided than when it entered them, according to regional and national reports. While historical election seasons once subdued party infighting, current candidate list disputes, legal threats, and public administrative failures suggest that internal divisions are now openly accelerating the organization’s decline.
Historical Context of Election Seasons
For many years, internal party divisions would temporarily subside during election cycles. Gwede Mantashe, serving as the ANC’s secretary-general during debates over combining local elections with national and provincial polls, once argued that anyone in his position would oppose such a combination. His reasoning centered on a two- or three-year election cycle that naturally forced members and leaders to set aside internal disputes and work together. Additionally, external criticism from outside the party historically reminded members of their shared political home, compelling unity. However, reporting indicates that dynamic has changed entirely.
Did You Know?
Gwede Mantashe once argued during a debate on election scheduling that a constant cycle of local or national elections every two to three years helped keep the ANC united by forcing members to temporarily forget internal divisions.
Candidate List Disputes and Legal Actions
Recent administrative turmoil has sparked severe public clashes between regional and national leadership. Last week, ANC Eastern Cape secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi threatened to sue ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula for defamation over allegations regarding why certain provincial candidates failed registration for the local elections. According to the Sunday Times, the ANC’s candidate list arrived at Luthuli House just 30 minutes before the electoral commission deadline, leaving Mbalula’s office with insufficient time to process all the names.
From Ngcukayitobi’s perspective, legal threats may stem from a need to defend himself against angry members facing job losses, proving to his constituency that he bore no responsibility for the registration failure. Yet, any resulting legal action threatens to expose deeper internal disarray. Similar administrative breakdowns occurred in the Free State, where the party failed to submit its full list of proportional representation candidates in Mangaung, risking a complete loss of power in that city unless it secures a minor role in a larger coalition.
Tensions in Johannesburg and Canceled Mayoral Announcements
In Johannesburg, internal friction remains plainly visible. Luthuli House has kept Dada Morero in office as mayor in an effort to prevent Johannesburg ANC region chair Loyiso Masuku from securing the position. Furthermore, the party left Reverend Frank Chikane off its candidate list entirely, a decision that eliminates any opportunity for the ANC to signal genuine local reform and deprives a historic figure of proper respect. Meanwhile, the ANC was forced to cancel a highly anticipated public event meant to announce its mayoral candidates for major metros at the last second.
Expert Insight
According to political observers, the last-second cancellation of the metro mayoral announcement highlights a significant power imbalance where regional structures possess enough authority to override Luthuli House, exposing a leadership structure that misjudged its own internal control.
The ‘Doom Loop’ and Future Implications
Analysts note that as the ANC experiences declining voter support, competition for remaining political positions and patronage intensifies, creating a self-reinforcing cycle known as a “doom loop.” With many individuals across the Eastern Cape and the Free State facing potential losses of salaries and political power after the elections, frustrated members will likely search for scapegoats. Past local elections in Tshwane saw list disputes and violent street protests, but contemporary divisions span a broader and deeper scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Lulama Ngcukayitobi threaten to sue Fikile Mbalula?
Lulama Ngcukayitobi threatened defamation legal action against Fikile Mbalula over allegations concerning why provincial candidates were not registered in time for the local elections.
What caused the candidate registration delay at Luthuli House?
According to the Sunday Times, the ANC’s candidate list reached Luthuli House only 30 minutes prior to the electoral commission’s submission deadline.
What happened with the ANC’s mayoral candidate announcement?
The ANC planned a major public event to reveal its metro mayoral candidates but had to cancel the announcement at the final second due to regional pushback.
? How will these widening internal divisions shape the outcome of the upcoming local government elections across South Africa’s major metros?
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