EKURHULENI, South Africa — As the African National Congress (ANC) gathers for its National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla this weekend, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has issued a stern warning to party members: stop campaigning for the 2027 Elective Conference or face disciplinary action.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the Lekgotla at the Birchwood Hotel on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Mbalula expressed the leadership’s frustration with “nascent factions” already positioning themselves for the party’s next leadership race.
The “Premature” Power Struggle
The Secretary-General’s warning comes amid reports that several “lobbying groups” have already begun informal meetings to discuss a successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose second term as ANC President will conclude at the 56th National Conference in December 2027.
“We are here to talk about the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the challenges facing South Africans—not to talk about 2027,” Mbalula stated. “Those who are busy printing T-shirts and holding secret meetings are undermining the work of the current collective. You are focused on positions while our people are focused on service delivery.”
Key Takeaways from Mbalula’s Address:
- Focus on the GNU: Mbalula emphasized that the ANC’s current priority is ensuring the success of the Government of National Unity and reclaiming lost electoral support.
- Disciplinary Consequences: He warned that the ANC’s “Eye of the Needle” (the party’s guide for leadership selection) will be strictly applied. Members found to be engaging in “divisive” early campaigning could be barred from standing for positions in the future.
- Modernization of the ANC: The Secretary-General reiterated that the ANC must modernize and professionalize, moving away from “personality-driven” politics toward a “policy-driven” organization.
South Africa Reacts: Skepticism and Cynicism
As reported by Briefly News, the public reaction to Mbalula’s warning has been a mix of amusement and skepticism. Social media users and political analysts have pointed out the irony of the ANC trying to suppress internal democracy while the country faces pressing issues.
- “Focus on the Country”: Many citizens have called on the ANC to stop talking about internal conferences altogether and focus on “fixing the lights, the water, and the crime.”
- The “Lekgotla” Distraction: Some critics argue that the warning is an attempt to deflect attention from the difficult discussions within the Lekgotla regarding the ANC’s diminished power within the GNU.
- “He’s Also Campaigning”: Cynical commenters on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have suggested that Mbalula’s warning is itself a strategic move to clear the field for his own potential ambitions or those of the “Union Buildings” camp.
The Road to 2027
Despite the official warning, political analysts suggest that the “genie is out of the bottle.” With the ANC below 50% nationally, the 2027 conference is seen as a “survival conference.” Potential frontrunners are expected to continue their maneuvering behind the scenes, despite Mbalula’s threat of “harsh measures.”
The NEC Lekgotla continues through Sunday, with the party expected to release a final declaration on its strategic path for the remainder of the year.
