Zuma is Unbending Iron: Mbalula Admits ANC Knew KZN Election Disaster Was Coming

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has openly admitted that the party expected a serious electoral disaster in KwaZulu-Natal during the November 2026 local government elections. He described former president Jacob Zuma as “insimbi kayigobi” – an unbending iron – and said the ANC leadership was fully aware of the tough fight ahead in the province.

Speaking as results continued to come in, Mbalula said the party knew it was heading into a political storm. He explained that the ANC understood the size of the challenge of campaigning against Zuma, who is still popularly known as Msholozi. According to Mbalula, Zuma proved to be a stubborn and powerful force on the ground, and the party had prepared itself for heavy losses.

The MK Party, led by Zuma, has dramatically changed the political picture in KwaZulu-Natal. What was once an ANC stronghold has been badly fractured. The surge in support for MK has removed the ANC’s outright majorities in many key areas and left a large number of municipalities with hung councils. Parties across the province are now rushing to form coalitions so they can govern.

Despite the clear setback, Mbalula struck a slightly relieved tone. He said that while the results are a major blow to the ANC, the damage in KwaZulu-Natal was not as bad as the party’s worst internal predictions. The ANC had expected an even bigger collapse and is now trying to find a way forward in a province where it no longer dominates.

The 2026 local elections have confirmed the shift that started in the 2024 national and provincial elections. MK Party’s rapid growth has permanently changed the balance of power in KwaZulu-Natal, forcing the ANC to accept that it must now operate in a multi-party environment. Mbalula’s frank comments show that Luthuli House is no longer denying the impact of Zuma’s influence and is instead focusing on how to rebuild in the new political reality.

As coalition talks continue across the province, the ANC faces the difficult task of working with other parties in municipalities it once controlled alone. Mbalula’s admission that the party saw the disaster coming has drawn attention because it is rare for senior leaders to speak so openly about expected losses. The results in KwaZulu-Natal are likely to shape ANC strategy for years to come as the party adjusts to life without clear majorities in one of its most important provinces.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2119054414358974900?a=i6G9US_EHvKgm0s-xqA&s=19