WATCH | ‘We will not beg for mayorship’: Mbalula says ANC performance in polls ‘catastrophic’

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has described the party’s performance in the 2026 local government elections as a “catastrophic outcome”, despite the ANC still leading nationally with just over 30% support.

Mbalula said the ANC was aware that the election results would be difficult, with internal polling having suggested the party could receive at least 34% support.

“We knew this outcome was coming,” he said.

He added that the party would not rush into coalition negotiations as it assessed the results across municipalities.

“As we speak, there are no formal talks under way. We expect that such discussions will begin soon and the ANC will approach them in good faith,” Mbalula said.

“We will be open to arrangements that put people first and that stand squarely on our constitution, with clear and honest priorities agreed in advance and with no secret carve-outs for the benefit of one party or another.”

Mbalula said the ANC was not desperate to secure mayorships or senior positions through coalition deals.

“But we will not negotiate with anyone with a cap in their hand, begging. We are not in the business of begging for mayorship or any other positions,” he said.

“It is people first that we are going to look at, and there will be a national doctrine that will be followed.”

He said the ANC would consider a range of options, including coalition governments, confidence-and-supply arrangements or remaining in opposition.

“That is not the only option we are looking at. There’s also an option to remain in opposition. There is an option of confidence and supply,” Mbalula said.

“We will analyse every municipality carefully and therefore determine in this doctrine what options are before the ANC.”

The ANC’s national executive committee is expected to meet this week to reflect on the election results and determine the party’s approach going forward.

Mbalula said the party’s priority would be rebuilding trust with communities through service delivery rather than political deals.

“We are not in the business of cutting deals. We are in the business of serving our people, and if anyone has not heard what the people are saying through this election, then we are lost,” he said.

“Water, electricity, refuse, safety and care for the vulnerable do not pause for politics, and we will not allow them to.”

The ANC secretary-general also confirmed that the party had called for a recount in Gauteng and was still awaiting the outcome.

This as is the IEC revealed that by 3pm on Saturday it had received 197 objections.