Insiders warn ANC factional fights risk costing the party votes ahead of November polls

ANC insiders have warned that internal factional battles and bitter disputes over candidate selection could cost the party crucial votes in the 4 November 2026 local government elections, according to IOL.

Concerns over unity and campaigning

According to IOL, party insiders said unresolved internal disputes risk further fragmenting branches, weakening campaigning and driving frustrated members away at a moment when the ANC needs unity.

One insider told IOL:

“These battles are costly, and this now shows that we have not learned anything from the previous elections.”

Another insider told IOL:

“Factions have actually cost from way back because the ANC has now turned into a party of positions and not for the people. We won’t survive if we go on like this”.

Candidate list battles at the centre

According to IOL, disputes over candidate selection have exposed tensions between national, provincial and regional structures. Candidate lists determine who receives the party’s endorsement and are politically sensitive, the report says.

At the centre of the latest storm, IOL reports, is ANC NEC member Andile Lungisa’s legal challenge against secretary-general Fikile Mbalula over Lungisa’s removal from the party’s candidate list for Nelson Mandela Bay. According to IOL, Lungisa alleged that Mbalula personally and unlawfully ordered his removal.

A senior insider told IOL it was embarrassing for senior members to be in court because of candidate lists, saying:

“This is not showing any sign of a confident and united front ahead of the elections. It simply shows a dysfunctional party that is not ready to govern outright.”

Other omissions and a leaked report

In Johannesburg, IOL reports, veteran anti-apartheid activist Frank Chikane was recommended as a mayoral candidate but was left off the final list submitted to the electoral authorities. IOL says that omission triggered confusion and political tension inside the organisation.

According to IOL, a leaked internal report attributed to Mbalula reportedly blamed Eastern Cape provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi for changing candidate lists shortly before the submission deadline without the required mandate.

Administrative errors and vetting problems

IOL reports the ANC has acknowledged serious problems in its candidate information. According to IOL, Mbalula said an internal investigation found 252 incorrect identity numbers in candidate data.

More than 350 councillor candidates were also removed during the final vetting process, according to IOL, adding to anxiety among branches and candidates who had expected to contest under the ANC banner.

Risk to mobilisation after lists are settled

According to IOL, insiders warned the greater danger may be what happens after lists are settled: candidates and activists who feel excluded could withdraw support, campaign against preferred candidates or refuse to mobilise voters, undermining the party’s electoral effort.

According to IOL, those inside the ANC fear internal factional warfare could be a decisive threat to the party’s recovery in the run-up to the local elections.