ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is addressing a large assembly of volunteers in Overport, eThekwini, to mobilize support for upcoming elections [1].

This mobilization effort represents a critical push for the African National Congress to secure voter turnout and organizational stability before the 2026 local government elections [3]. The party is simultaneously attempting to modernize its candidate selection process to address internal and public demands for representation.

Thousands of volunteers are expected to attend the assembly in Durban [1]. The gathering serves as a primary engine for grassroots campaigning, focusing on increasing the party's visibility and influence within the KwaZulu-Natal region [1].

Parallel to the volunteer rallies, the ANC Women's League is pushing for structural changes in candidate lists. Regional Women's League chairperson Sinegugu Sishange said she is calling for a 50/50 gender split among councillor candidates in eThekwini [2]. This move aims to ensure that women hold equal representation in local governance roles.

In a shift toward public engagement, the party has also opened nominations for mayoral candidates to the general public [3]. This decision has sparked debate across South Africa regarding the balance between party loyalty and civic input in selecting leadership for the 2026 elections [3].

These combined efforts, the volunteer rallies, the push for gender parity, and the open nomination process, signal a multifaceted strategy to revitalize the party's image and base ahead of the polls.

“Thousands of volunteers are expected to attend the assembly in Durban.”

The ANC is employing a hybrid strategy of grassroots mobilization and inclusive candidate selection to combat potential voter apathy. By soliciting public mayoral nominations and pledging gender parity, the party is attempting to project an image of transparency and progressiveness to regain ground in the competitive KwaZulu-Natal political landscape.