ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has told delegates he will not be “blackmailed” amid growing internal tensions and succession talk within the party, insisting that the organisation must prioritise rebuilding ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Speaking at a party event on May 20, 2026, Mbalula said: “I won’t be blackmailed by anyone. We must focus on rebuilding the ANC and serving the people, not on internal squabbles.” His comments come as factions within the party jostle for position ahead of the 2027 national conference, where a new leadership will be elected.
Mbalula’s warning follows recent reports of factional battles in several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, where disputes over candidate lists and party positions have intensified. He urged members to unite and avoid “destructive” behaviour that could harm the party’s electoral prospects.
The ANC has faced declining support in recent years, losing key municipalities in the 2021 local elections. Mbalula stressed that the party must learn from past mistakes and focus on service delivery to regain public trust.
