PRETORIA, Gauteng — The African National Congress (ANC) is navigating a critical period of introspection following its significant electoral decline in the 2026 Local Government Elections. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly addressed the party’s concerning drop in voter support, while former ANC MP Faiez Jacobs is advocating for a comprehensive grassroots rebuild to restore public confidence.
Speaking on the sidelines of the election results, Ramaphosa described the party’s loss of ground as “concerning” but firmly affirmed that the ANC accepts the democratic outcome. While the party managed to secure outright control of 53 municipalities, the overall results represent a major setback. This shift has placed complex coalition negotiations in sharp focus across several hung councils nationwide.
The electoral shift was particularly stark in the City of Cape Town. Out of 235 available seats, the Democratic Alliance (DA) secured an outright majority with 133 seats, leaving the ANC with 33. Jacobs highlighted a critical factor in the metro’s results: voter apathy. He noted that more than 45% of Capetonians did not vote, translating to nearly two million residents. Jacobs argued that these non-voters forfeited their right to complain about the cost of living, higher municipal rates, and being priced out of the housing market.
Despite congratulating the DA on its victory, Jacobs emphasized that the ANC must hold the new administration accountable, particularly regarding spatial inequality and the developmental needs of the Cape Flats communities.
Reflecting on the national picture, Jacobs described the loss of public trust as a “painful result” for the party. He pointed to corruption, arrogance, factionalism, and incompetence as major damaging factors. “We must stop pretending,” Jacobs stated, calling for an end to political protection and the recycling of failed leaders. He stressed that rebuilding requires admitting past governance failures and prioritizing professionalism, integrity, and the delivery of basic services like water and sanitation.
To achieve this renewal, Jacobs proposed transforming every voting district into a permanent center of organization and service, rather than treating them merely as election-day machinery. While the ANC already has branch structures, Jacobs argued they have devolved into mere “conference branches.” He advocated for a return to basics, where branches are grounded in the daily lives of communities—participating in school governing bodies, health community forums, and safety forums.
“We need to go back to the basics of what it means to be an ANC activist,” he explained, urging members to leave their “blue lights at home” and engage directly with constituents to address bread-and-butter issues. Jacobs noted that with the 2027 conference season approaching—where structures from the local to national levels will be renewed—the focus must be on genuine democratic renewal rather than just internal meetings.
Looking ahead to coalition governance, Jacobs insisted that all coalition agreements must be made public and focused on programs that directly benefit the people. On a broader ideological level, he called for a “broad progressive people’s front” built on a common minimum program. Aligning with sentiments echoed by other left-wing leaders regarding a potential alliance of pro-poor parties, Jacobs emphasized moving away from austerity measures. He argued that the political focus must return to affordability, job creation, housing, dignity, and inclusive cities, ensuring that the economy works for the majority rather than a select few.
