Leaked ANC Document Reveals Heavyweight Team Deployed To Save Hung Councils

Reporter Sihle Mavuso said in an X post that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has established a centralised coalition negotiating team. The move shows that the party is planning to handle coalition talks centrally, not delegate them to regional structures or individual branches. This is because alliances will likely be needed by councils nationwide following the 2026 local elections.

Members of the party’s upper echelons are on the squad. Enoch Godongwana, Parks Tau, Ronald Lamola, Gwen Ramokgopa, Nomvula Mokonyane, and Maropene Ramokgopa are all members, including Gwede Mantashe, the national chairperson. The lineup includes both long-term politicians and individuals with significant government experience, providing the party with a balance of organisational acumen and policy acumen when bargaining.

The rationale behind a central structure is obvious. Many cities saw the ANC’s decline, and in several metros and smaller councils, it’s possible that no one party will have a bare majority. Local branches may make deals that go against national priorities or cause friction with other parties in the same province if there is no clear chain of command. With a unified front, the party can establish ground rules, vet potential allies, and keep the message consistent.

The African National Congress (ANC) faces dangers in coalition politics. If local voters perceive a national team making decisions about their municipality from afar, especially if these decisions include compromises regarding finances, appointments, or mayoral positions, they may become even more enraged with the party. After receiving criticism for its service delivery and internal factionalism, the party is currently trying to rebuild trust. Any deal that looks like a backroom arrangement could further harm these efforts.

We will also be keeping a close eye on the team’s makeup. Their capacity to reach a consensus will be put to the test as negotiations go from one municipality to another, each with its own unique viewpoints and opinions. While high-ranking officials’ presence might assuage members’ fears that the negotiations will be managed with care, it could also lead to enquiries into whether the process is concentrated among a select few leaders.

For citizens, the real concern is how their councils will be affected by these negotiations. Who becomes mayor, how budgets are approved, and which services receive priority are all determined by coalition agreements. If a deal is struck, the communities affected by water shortages, stalled road repairs, or postponed housing projects will want assurance that it is focused on solving problems, not just gaining political favour.

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