By JN Reporter
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has raised alarm over the party’s declining support in the Free State, Northern Cape and North West, conceding that internal weaknesses, poor governance and voter dissatisfaction have eroded the movement’s traditional strongholds ahead of critical political contests.
Delivering his midterm report on the health of the party across all nine provinces at the National General Council (NGC) in Boksburg on Monday, Mbalula stressed that urgent renewal, discipline and visible service delivery were needed to rebuild trust and avert further electoral losses.
He said the Free State faces serious organisational challenges, including weakened branches, declining community confidence and distressed municipalities.
“Although the ANC attained a provincial majority in the 2024 elections, support has steadily declined since 2019, signalling reduced hegemony and an urgent need for visible governance,” he said.
Mbalula noted that branch functionality remains weak, with only two of the 319 branches, representing 34 200 members, currently within mandate. He cited membership system challenges, gatekeeping, bulk-buying abuse and weak induction processes as factors undermining cadre development and recruitment quality.
“Municipal oversight has improved through standardised reporting tools, strengthened troikas, manifesto monitoring and early-warning interventions for service delivery failure,” he added, saying the Free State is rebuilding capacity and capability with the support of the ANC’s National Executive Committee.
Turning to the North West, Mbalula said the province remains under pressure due to organisational strain, declining voter confidence and persistent problems in local government.
“This province was one of our surprises in the last elections; they performed very, very well. That election reflected vulnerability, but it also reflected the resilience of this province,” he said, adding that both regional and provincial structures remain functional.
“Bojanala is the strongest region, with high mobilisation levels and strong political education.”
However, Mbalula said the ANC in the Northern Cape remains strong and united.
“The ANC in this province has won even wards that previously belonged to the DA. Of the province’s 232 branches, 218 — or 94% — are in good standing, reflecting high levels of organisational stability. Membership stands at 54,767,” he said.
