ANC Grapples with Renewal and Challenges at National General Council

Natalie Nyathi

The African National Congress (ANC) is currently holding its National General Council (NGC) in Boksburg. This event is very important for the party as it faces declining support and internal problems. The four-day meeting is seen as a chance for the ANC to show its commitment to renewing itself and dealing with its challenges.

Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has set the tone for the NGC, emphasizing that the focus should be on renewing the organization and preparing for upcoming elections. He stated, “This is not the time for leadership battles,” urging delegates to prioritize the party’s future over internal power struggles. Mbalula also dismissed any speculation about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s future by confirming that the president “will finish his term.”

The NGC takes place during a time of significant challenges for the ANC. The party has faced historic electoral decline, unstable coalition arrangements, and voter frustration over corruption. Mbalula acknowledged that renewal has been a common theme in recent years, but its implementation has not always been consistent.

Political analyst Sanet Solomon told ENCA news that the importance of the NGC, is that;

“It gives the ANC an opportunity to reflect on what happened last year when it lost the election, to review its overall standing, how it’s perceived across different communities and provinces, and what this means for the 2026 local government elections.” She also pointed out that the mid-term review has revealed serious problems within the party.

The NGC will cover several key areas, including ethical leadership, membership verification, and building internal systems to fight corruption. Delegates will also discuss questions related to governance and policy goals.

Mbalula emphasized the need for branch renewal, stating that “Over time, many branches became functional only during leadership contests and conference periods.” The party has been testing a new system to help branches engage more with their communities more regularly.

As the NGC continues, the ANC must show it can turn its words into action and win back the trust of the South African public. Solomon noted that “Corruption keeps coming up, and if the ANC wants to reconnect with communities, it will need serious groundwork. That means local councillors must be properly supported.”

The success of the NGC will depend on the party’s ability to address these issues and come up with a clear plan for renewal and future success.