“The ANC is grappling with deep internal fractures, including lawsuits and candidate list disputes, that risk undermining its ability to contest the November 2026 elections effectively. Analysts caution that these divisions could accelerate the party’s decline, opening space for opposition parties like the DA and EFF to reshape South Africa’s political landscape.”
South Africa’s political landscape is entering one of its most turbulent phases since the dawn of democracy in 1994. At the center of this storm is the African National Congress (ANC), the liberation movement that dismantled apartheid and dominated politics for decades. Today, however, the ANC is facing unprecedented internal conflict, with lawsuits, factional battles, and candidate list disputes threatening to tear the party apart ahead of the November 2026 local government elections.
Historical Context
For decades, the ANC’s dominance was unquestioned. Its liberation legacy, association with Nelson Mandela, and role in dismantling apartheid cemented its place in South African politics. Yet, governance failures, corruption scandals, and economic stagnation have chipped away at its credibility. The state capture saga, Eskom’s collapse, and the Phala Phala scandal became symbols of decay. These failures weakened voter confidence, eroding the ANC’s once unassailable position.
Current Crisis
The ANC’s troubles have reached a boiling point in 2026. Candidate list disputes have rocked the party, with provincial leaders openly clashing with national leadership. In one dramatic episode, Eastern Cape secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi threatened to sue ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula over allegations surrounding candidate registration failures. Reports suggest that the ANC’s candidate list arrived at Luthuli House just 30 minutes before the deadline, leaving Mbalula’s office unable to process all names. This administrative chaos has left many members fearing job losses, fueling anger and resentment.
Instead of rallying together for electoral success, ANC leaders are locked in bitter disputes. Analysts describe this predicament as a “doom loop”: factional battles erode voter confidence, weakening electoral prospects, which in turn intensifies internal disputes.
Factional Battles
Factionalism within the ANC is not new, but the scale of current disputes is unprecedented. Provincial leaders are challenging national leadership, lawsuits are being filed, and mistrust is spreading across party structures. These divisions are not merely administrative—they reflect deeper ideological and personal conflicts.
Some factions accuse the leadership of incompetence, while others allege corruption and favoritism in candidate selection. The disputes have spilled into the public domain, undermining the ANC’s ability to present a united front.
Electoral Implications
The November 2026 elections are critical. Opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are poised to capitalize on the ANC’s decline. Analysts warn that the ANC’s internal chaos could accelerate its electoral collapse, reshaping South Africa’s political future.
The DA has positioned itself as a credible alternative, emphasizing governance and service delivery. The EFF, meanwhile, continues to attract younger voters with its radical economic policies. Both parties stand to gain from the ANC’s turmoil.
Public Perception
Public confidence in the ANC has been steadily declining. Corruption scandals, service delivery failures, and economic stagnation have alienated voters. The current crisis reinforces perceptions of incompetence and disunity.
For many South Africans, the ANC no longer represents the liberation movement of Mandela’s era. Instead, it is seen as a party consumed by infighting and corruption.
Conclusion
The ANC’s internal divisions ahead of the November 2026 elections represent a turning point in South African politics. Once the dominant force, the party now faces the prospect of decline and fragmentation. Analysts warn that unless the ANC resolves its disputes and presents a united front, opposition parties will reshape the country’s political future.
The November elections will not only determine the ANC’s fate but also signal whether South Africa is entering a new political era—one defined by coalition politics, opposition gains, and the decline of the liberation movement that once embodied the nation’s hopes.
