Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), urged party volunteers in Durban to mobilize for the 2026 local government elections [1].

The call for intensified campaigning comes as the ANC seeks to maintain its grip on local governance amid internal factional tensions and a need for party renewal.

Speaking at a volunteers' assembly in KwaZulu-Natal, Mbalula focused on the necessity of hard work and organization to secure victory in the forthcoming polls. He said the party must prioritize rebuilding its foundation to effectively reach voters. "We must work hard for the elections and rebuild the party," Mbalula said [2].

Beyond the external campaign, Mbalula addressed internal strife within the party. He issued a stern warning to ANC factions, signaling that leadership would not be swayed by internal pressure or threats. "I won’t be blackmailed," Mbalula said [3].

The Secretary-General's remarks highlight a strategy of combining grassroots mobilization with a crackdown on internal instability. This approach aims to present a unified front to the electorate as the party prepares its leadership slate. According to party plans, the ANC will announce its mayoral candidates next month [4].

The assembly in Durban served as a catalyst to energize the party's volunteer base. Mbalula said the success of the 2026 elections [1] depends on the ability of volunteers to organize effectively at the local level, and resist the pull of factionalism.

“"I won’t be blackmailed."”

Mbalula's dual focus on grassroots mobilization and internal discipline suggests the ANC is bracing for a contested election cycle where internal cohesion is as critical as voter outreach. By publicly rejecting 'blackmail,' the Secretary-General is attempting to neutralize factional influence over candidate selection before the mayoral lists are finalized next month.