‘I won’t be blackmailed’ Mbalula warns ANC to focus on rebuilding ahead of 2026

ANC secretary-general issues blunt warning at West Rand conference

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula told delegates at the ANC West Rand 12th regional conference that he will not be “blackmailed” and urged the party to focus on organisational renewal ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Conference, leadership elections and interruptions

The conference, which elected a new regional leadership team, proceeded successfully despite earlier interruptions, Mbalula said. William Matsheke was elected chairperson, Lucky Sele deputy chairperson, Mkhuseli Jokazi regional secretary, Mcebisi Moyeni deputy regional secretary, and Nozuko Best regional treasurer.

Focus on rebuilding rather than succession battles

Mbalula warned that internal divisions were weakening the movement and that the ANC faced what he described as an “existential crisis”. He said factional battles and governance failures had damaged public confidence and urged members to prioritise electoral rebuilding.

Summing up his stance on internal alignment and succession talk, Mbalula said:

“A lot of people say Mbalula is supporting these people, and they will never support him. I support the ANC. I don’t care about your support,” he said. “I’m a secretary-general. I was elected. I’m leading those who didn’t elect me, and I must show them the way. I won’t be blackmailed because 2027 is coming. We will know when we get there.”

He stressed the immediate priority was the 2026 local government elections, saying: “The first gate is 2026. There is no 2027 without 2026, and there is no 2028 without 2026.”

Corruption, branch conduct and the party’s future

Mbalula blamed scandals and corruption for eroding the ANC’s moral authority and said that in some branches “meetings have become battlegrounds for tender disputes rather than platforms for community service.” He warned the party risked losing relevance unless it transformed itself and returned to a focus on service and discipline.

He said the ANC’s survival had been built on sacrifice and that renewal required stronger, accountable branches that prioritise community activism over access to government resources. He called for recruitment based on belief in the movement rather than personal advancement and said the party must take a firm stance against corruption.

Succession talk continues

While no formal succession contest has been declared, the conference saw ongoing discussion about the party’s future leadership. The names of deputy president Paul Mashatile and businessman Patrice Motsepe were mentioned as figures widely discussed in succession conversations.

Mbalula urged delegates to intensify organisational rebuilding, strengthen discipline and restore public trust through visible delivery and accountability at branch level.