ANC releases official statement on its approach to municipal coalitions following the 2026 local government elections

The African National Congress has released an official statement on its approach to municipal coalitions following the 2026 local government elections.

In the 2026 local government elections, the ANC’s national support declined to 30.76%, down from 45.59% in the 2021 elections.

Equally concerning was that the ANC did not achieve an outright majority in any of South Africa’s large cities.

This was the ANC’s worst ever performance, and the party’s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, called the election results a catastrophe.

In response to these results, it convened an extended special meeting of the national executive committee (NEC).

It released a statement on Friday, 13 November 2026, stating that it held robust discussions about its approach to municipal coalitions.

This was aimed at finding a way forward for the unprecedented number of hung municipalities where no political party has secured a majority.  

“This situation has imposed on all political parties a duty to reflect and determine the best and most stable coalitions to serve the people of South Africa,” it said.

“The development of our country depends on the effectiveness of our councils, and the ANC remains committed to establishing stable and working local government.”

The NEC mandated the ANC to engage all political parties, including civic movements and independents, in municipalities where no party has secured an outright majority.

“Engagements with political parties are already under way, guided by the ANC’s coalition framework,” it said.

“We have also received requests from political parties expressing their willingness to work with the African National Congress.”

The ANC said that it approaches these engagements with an open mind, a willingness to listen, and a constructive engagement in the best interests of its people.

“Our commitment is to ensure stability in all councils and decide on the most viable and effective way to serve our communities,” it said.

“Any coalition agreement must be anchored in a common minimum programme with measurable service delivery targets.”

It said that the ANC will pursue stable, transparent, and accountable municipal government, with decisive action against corruption.

“Local government has a constitutional obligation to ensure the provision of water, electricity, sanitation, roads, and the maintenance of public spaces,” it said.

“Municipalities should also ensure safety, a clean and healthy environment, and the development of local economies.”

It said significant progress has been made in extending basic services and the social wage since the dawn of democracy.

However, it added that much work remains to be done to address poverty, inequality, unemployment, and poor spatial planning.

“In line with its Local Government Elections Manifesto, the ANC will advance transformation and deepen service delivery,” it said.

Particular attention will be paid to the needs of poor households and to the protection of workers’ rights and interests.

The ANC said it will issue a comprehensive statement on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, to update South Africans on the progress of coalition engagements.