ANC Faces Backlash Over Proposal to Tap Leaders Outside Party Ranks Ahead of 2026 Polls

A Bold Move or a Risky Gamble?

As South Africa gears up for the 2026 elections, the ANC finds itself at a crossroads. A proposal to consider candidates from outside the party for government leadership positions, including metro mayors, is stirring a mixture of excitement, suspicion, and outright opposition in KwaZulu-Natal.

The plan, aimed at promoting merit and competence in municipal governance, could reshape how the ANC selects leaders. But some members warn it risks creating tension at branch level, where loyalty and internal experience have long been prized.

“We’ve Not Been Consulted” Grassroots Concerns

For some ANC members, the idea of deploying “outsiders” threatens the party’s fabric. A member in the Midlands, speaking anonymously, said, “We have not been canvassed on such a view… The first I saw of this was on social media. It could be disruptive because branches need leaders who understand the party.”

Others echoed calls for fairness, arguing that if such a rule applies at the municipal level, it should also hold for national leadership, including the party president.

Social media reactions have been equally mixed. Some ANC supporters see merit-based appointments as overdue, while others fear it will sideline loyal long-term members, potentially sparking infighting ahead of the elections.

A Push for Excellence

Proponents say the move could breathe new life into ANC governance. Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane explained the rationale: “We’re looking at everything and going broader than just party executives. We have to consider what is required for this particular metro or municipality.”

The proposal aims to attract skilled leaders from business, strategic sectors, and even younger and female leaders all while maintaining party membership as a prerequisite. Supporters argue this could enhance the ANC’s capacity to deliver on its promises, particularly in struggling municipalities.

Lessons From the Past

The ANC has tried this approach before, with mixed results. In eThekwini Metro, Mxolisi Kaunda and Cyril Xaba were brought in from outside regional leadership structures and were largely seen as effective in stabilising governance.

In contrast, Themba Njilo’s tenure as mayor of Msunduzi, appointed as an outsider and successful businessman, ended in frustration. Njilo told The Mercury that it was “one of the worst and most unproductive periods of my life.”

These examples highlight the delicate balance between meritocracy and party loyalty, and the risk that perceived favoritism or lack of internal support could undermine well-intentioned reforms.

A Delicate Balancing Act

ANC leaders in Durban argue that the party is seeking a middle path: bringing in qualified outsiders without sidelining internal structures. “This does not mean branches are frozen out; if they qualify, they will be appointed,” one leader explained.

Supporters stress that revitalising governance is urgent. Many municipalities face deep inefficiency, corruption, and low service delivery. By widening the pool of potential candidates, the ANC hopes to restore credibility ahead of the polls.

Yet, critics caution that without careful management, the move could ignite internal disputes, leaving the party vulnerable at a critical moment in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.

With tensions simmering, the 2026 elections promise to test both the ANC’s ability to innovate and its capacity to maintain unity. Whether merit-based appointments will strengthen the party or deepen internal fault lines remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: branches and voters alike will be watching closely.

{Source: IOL}

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