The ANC’s Greater Johannesburg region has been forced onto the defensive following a explosive “ballot paper scandal” that threatened to collapse its elective conference on Monday, 26 January 2026.
Despite widespread reports of unauthorized ballot papers circulating before the vote, regional leadership has doubled down, insisting that the integrity of the process remains intact.
The “Ghost” Ballot Scandal
Tensions boiled over at the conference venue when delegates from several branches alleged that they had discovered pre-marked ballot papers.
- The Allegation: Rival factions claimed that “duplicate” ballots had been smuggled into the voting hall to favor a specific slate linked to the current provincial leadership.
- The Disruption: The discovery led to a temporary suspension of proceedings as angry delegates demanded a full audit of the printing process and the immediate disqualification of the electoral committee.
ANC Defends the Process
In a media briefing held late Monday evening, ANC Greater Johannesburg spokesperson Masilo Sereko dismissed the scandal as “factional posturing” aimed at delegitimizing the eventual winners.
- “Water-Tight” Security: Sereko maintained that the electoral commission (IEC) and independent monitors had verified all materials. “The security features on our ballots cannot be forged. What people saw were sample ballots used for training,” he claimed.
- Integrity Intact: The region insists that the conference will proceed to its conclusion, arguing that the “will of the branches” cannot be derailed by “technical grievances.”
High Stakes for 2026
The battle for control of the Johannesburg region is seen as a proxy war for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
- The Factions: On one side are the “status quo” loyalists who support the current coalition arrangements in the Joburg Metro. On the other are the “reformists” who are pushing for a clean break from current partnerships to regain an outright majority.
- Unity vs. Survival: The scandal has highlighted the deep fractures within the ANC’s biggest regional engine. Political analysts warn that if the leadership emerging from this conference is seen as “fraudulent,” it could lead to further voter stay-aways in the upcoming elections.
What Happens Next?
Voting is expected to continue through the night under increased security. However, the aggrieved branches have already threatened to take the matter to the ANC’s National Dispute Resolution Committee (NDRC), meaning that even if a winner is announced today, the results could remain “provisional” for weeks.
As the ANC struggles to project an image of a “renewed” organization, the scenes in Johannesburg serve as a stark reminder of the internal hurdles the party faces as it prepares for its toughest electoral test yet in 2026.
