The African National Congress (ANC) says it is unfazed by members leaving to join other political parties ahead of the upcoming local government elections, including recent high-profile defections to ActionSA in Limpopo.
ActionSA recently unveiled several former ANC members, including a mayor, but ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has dismissed them as self-serving opportunists who failed in their previous roles.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg, Mbalula said individuals now being presented as former ANC leaders did not perform adequately while in office.
“It does happen in the election that people who have failed in their duties… when it is clear that the right thing is on the wall, they won’t be re-elected, they jump to other political parties,” he said.
He added that such individuals are motivated by self-interest rather than public service, and insisted the ANC remains focused on selecting capable candidates.
The party has begun its mayoral candidate selection process, which includes community input. Mbalula expressed confidence that the ANC will field strong candidates for the upcoming elections.
“We will get good candidates… communities have given us good candidates,” he said, adding that those who have left the party “know very well that they did not do well.”
Former ANC members who have joined ActionSA say their decision was driven by a focus on service delivery and dissatisfaction with internal party dynamics.
One former ANC Letaba Sub-Regional Chairperson, City Modjadji, said he was attracted to ActionSA’s emphasis on “service deliverism,” arguing that politics should prioritise public service over positions and personal gain.
The ANC says it remains focused on regaining support and strengthening its position in key metropolitan municipalities ahead of the elections.