As South Africa gears up for the 2026 Local Government Elections, tensions are mounting between the two leading political parties – the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA). ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has stepped into the fray, articulating strong criticisms of the DA’s assertion that it governs the best-run municipalities in the country.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a vital engagement with ANC councillors, Mbalula dismissed the DA’s claims derived from a scientific Auditor-General’s report, noting, “The best-run municipality in South Africa is Ekurhuleni.” His statements sought to refute the narrative that DA-governed municipalities outshine those led by the ANC, shifting the focus onto the performance of municipalities under ANC governance.
Critically, Mbalula pointed out that even the DA’s performance in its stronghold, the Western Cape, is not as stellar as presented. “The critics will always take shots at President Cyril Ramaphosa,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny the ANC faces while simultaneously asserting confidence in their municipal capabilities.
Adding to the political atmosphere, the DA has revealed the selection of former Western Cape Premier Helen Zille as its candidate for the mayoral position in Johannesburg. Zille’s return to frontline politics has reignited debates regarding her standing with city residents. However, ANC councillors expressed optimism about their chances against the DA’s candidate.
Sasabona Manganye, the ANC’s Johannesburg Regional Secretary, remarked, “DA is making our life easier; bringing Helen Zille will confirm the decisive victory of the African National Congress because she can’t relate with the people in Johannesburg.” This sentiment reflects a robust belief among ANC members that Zille’s candidacy may not resonate with voters who may view her as out of touch with local issues.
According to Manganye, who spoke during an ANC report back meeting in southern Johannesburg, the support for the DA, particularly represented by Zille, may falter. “They will not put their cross next to the DA represented by Helen Zille. We are happy about them bringing the weakest candidate in Johannesburg; that will strengthen our campaign,” he asserted, expressing confidence in the ANC’s prospects as the election cycle heats up.
With voter sentiment increasingly pivotal as the 2026 elections draw near, both parties are intensifying their strategies to connect with constituents while navigating the complex landscape of public perception and political legacy.