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Mbalula calls ANC local election result a catastrophe

Published

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said on Saturday that no formal coalition talks are under way and the party will not beg for mayorships. The ANC still leads nationally with just over 30% support.

Mbalula said the party knew the outcome would be difficult. He said internal ANC polling had suggested the party could win at least 34% support.

He said the ANC had called for a recount in Gauteng and was waiting for the outcome. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) reported 197 objections by 3pm on Saturday.

Mbalula said the ANC would consider coalition governments, confidence-and-supply arrangements or staying in opposition. He said the party would approach any talks in good faith and would not rush into them.

Key facts

Who
Fikile Mbalula (ANC secretary-general); African National Congress (governing party, led nationally with just over 30% support in the 2026 local…); Independent Electoral Commission (electoral body that received 197 objections)
What
Mbalula said the ANC knew the election outcome would be difficult, that it would not rush into coalition talks, and that the party had called for a recount in Gauteng. The IEC reported receiving 197 objections by 3pm on Saturday.
When
7 November 2026
Where
Gauteng
Status
Reported

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