ANC Secretary-General Outlines Key Priorities in July 2026 Media Briefing

On 2 July 2026, African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula convened a media briefing at the Chief Albert Luthuli House in Johannesburg. The session focused on the government’s immigration plan, recent changes to the national executive announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ongoing mayoral candidate selection process for the 2026 local government elections, and broader matters of national importance. The briefing formed part of the party’s preparations for decisive action ahead of the polls, with emphasis on restoring credibility in governance at local level.

Mbalula, who has held the position of Secretary-General since December 2022, used the platform to communicate updates on processes mandated by the party’s National General Council and National Executive Committee. Attendees heard details on how the ANC intends to broaden its approach to leadership deployment while maintaining strict standards of competence and accountability.

Background to the Briefing and Party Context

The African National Congress has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. In recent years the party has faced challenges in retaining majorities in several metropolitan municipalities, leading to coalition arrangements in cities such as Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini. These experiences prompted internal reviews of how candidates are identified and deployed.

Preparations for the 2026 local government elections have been underway since early 2026. In April the party publicly outlined a shift away from purely internal nomination processes. The new framework introduces public participation, headhunting of talent outside traditional structures, and centralised oversight for mayoral positions in the eight metropolitan municipalities and twenty-two secondary cities.

This evolution reflects directives from the National General Council and subsequent NEC resolutions aimed at ensuring that deployed leaders possess the skills required to deliver effective service to communities.

Details on Mayoral Candidate Selection Process

Mbalula elaborated on the centralised mayoral selection system during the briefing. The process allows ordinary South Africans to submit nominations for individuals they believe are capable of leading municipalities. Headhunting of suitable candidates is also underway to expand the pool beyond party insiders.

Candidates will undergo rigorous vetting, including interviews and assessments against a competency framework often described within the party as passing the “eye of the needle.” Successful nominees must demonstrate proven capacity in governance, financial management and community engagement.

Public nominations opened earlier in 2026, with thousands of applications received for metropolitan positions. Shortlisting and interviews are scheduled to continue through the coming months, with phased announcements expected ahead of the elections. The approach marks a departure from previous cycles where selections were handled primarily at provincial and regional levels.

Party officials have stressed that the changes seek to strengthen local governance and rebuild public trust by prioritising merit and public input while retaining the ANC’s overall authority over final deployments.

Updates on Cabinet Reshuffle and Executive Changes

The briefing also addressed recent adjustments to the national executive. President Ramaphosa announced changes to the cabinet in line with constitutional provisions. Mbalula confirmed that the ANC welcomes these adjustments as part of ongoing efforts to align government capacity with national priorities.

Details shared included the rationale behind specific deployments and the party’s expectation that new appointees will accelerate delivery on key mandates such as economic growth, infrastructure development and social services. The Secretary-General noted that such reshuffles are standard mechanisms to refresh leadership and respond to performance assessments.

Stakeholders within the ANC have been encouraged to support the new executive team in implementing the party’s programme of action. The changes are viewed as complementary to preparations for the 2026 elections, where local leadership will play a critical role in translating national policy into tangible community outcomes.

Photo by Steward Masweneng on Unsplash

Government Immigration Plan and Related National Issues

Immigration featured prominently in the discussion. Mbalula outlined the government’s plan to manage migration flows while addressing community tensions that have arisen in some areas. The approach balances humanitarian obligations with the need to maintain social cohesion and protect local employment opportunities.

Key elements include strengthened border management, improved processing of asylum applications, and enhanced coordination between national and provincial authorities. The briefing emphasised the importance of responsible public discourse on the topic to prevent misinformation and xenophobic incidents.

Broader national issues raised encompassed economic recovery measures, preparations for the local government elections, and the party’s commitment to voter registration drives. Mbalula urged eligible citizens to register and participate in the democratic process, highlighting the slogan “Year of Decisive Action.”

Implications for Local Governance and Service Delivery

The centralised mayoral selection process is expected to have significant effects on how municipalities are led after the 2026 polls. By introducing public nominations and stricter competency checks, the ANC aims to reduce instances of underperformance that have contributed to service delivery protests in recent years.

Analysts note that the move could help the party regain control of key metros currently under coalition arrangements. However, it also requires careful management to ensure that new processes do not alienate long-standing party structures or discourage capable internal candidates.

Successful implementation will depend on transparent communication with communities and timely finalisation of candidate lists. The party has committed to phased announcements to allow sufficient time for campaigning and voter engagement.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Party Responses

Within the ANC, reactions to the briefing have been largely supportive, with officials describing the measures as necessary for renewal. Provincial structures have been tasked with facilitating public nomination processes and mobilising members for the voter registration campaign.

Opposition parties have questioned whether the changes represent a genuine shift or a response to electoral pressures. Some commentators have welcomed the opening of nominations to the public as a step toward greater inclusivity, while others caution that final decisions will still rest with party structures.

Civil society organisations monitoring local government have called for clear criteria and independent oversight of the vetting process to ensure fairness and reduce the risk of political patronage.

Future Outlook and Preparations for 2026 Elections

With the 2026 local government elections approaching, the ANC’s focus remains on consolidating support and demonstrating improved governance capacity. The July briefing serves as one milestone in a broader programme that includes policy conferences, candidate training and community outreach.

Mbalula reiterated the party’s determination to field candidates who can deliver on promises of reliable water, electricity, roads and sanitation. The integration of public input into the selection process is presented as evidence of responsiveness to citizen concerns.

Observers will watch closely how the new mayoral candidates perform in the campaign and, if elected, in office. The success of the centralised system could influence future leadership deployment models at both local and national levels.

Photo by Andrea Qoqonga on Unsplash

Practical Steps for Citizens and Party Members

Residents interested in influencing mayoral selections in their municipalities are encouraged to participate in the public nomination process through official ANC channels. Details on submission portals and deadlines are available via the party’s website and regional offices.

Voter registration remains a priority. Eligible South Africans who have not yet registered or updated their details are urged to do so ahead of the elections to ensure their voices are heard.

Party members are advised to engage constructively with the new processes, support nominated candidates, and contribute to the development of local manifestos that address specific community needs.