More dramatic Ramaphosa tells ANC to brace for a ‘challenging’ election contest

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned the African National Congress (ANC) that the next elections will be a difficult battle for the party.

He delivered the message during a meeting of the ANC’s National Executive Committee this week. Ramaphosa said the political landscape had changed and could no longer be taken for granted. He urged party leaders to prepare for a tough campaign ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

Ramaphosa said voters frustrated by poor service delivery and slow economic growth. He noted that many communities still faced water shortages, broken roads, and unreliable electricity supply. These problems, he said, had weakened public trust in the party.

The ANC leader stressed that unity inside the organisation would be crucial. He warned that internal divisions and public disputes damaged the party’s image. He also raised concern about alliance partners that plan to contest elections independently.

Ramaphosa said such moves could split the vote and weaken the broader progressive movement.
He told members that renewal of the organisation must be taken seriously. He called for disciplined leadership and better candidate selection.

According to Ramaphosa, councillors and public representatives must be capable and accountable. He said communities expected visible change, not excuses.
The president also highlighted the need for stronger structures at branch level. He said branches must reconnect with ordinary citizens and listen to their concerns.

Opposition parties have already begun positioning themselves as alternatives. They continue to focus on corruption, unemployment, and failing municipalities. These issues are expected to dominate the election campaign.

Door-to-door campaigning and community meetings encouraged as key tools to rebuild confidence.
Political analysts believe the ANC faces its hardest local government contest since 1994. The party lost its national majority in the 2024 general elections. This has increased competition at local level.

Ramaphosa said the ANC still had an opportunity to regain support. He argued that the party remained the only movement with a clear plan for social transformation. However, he admitted that words would not be enough. He said performance would decide the outcome.

He concluded by telling party members that victory would depend on hard work and honesty with voters. He warned that the next elections would test the ANC’s ability to renew itself and respond to public demands.

The coming contest, he said, would be challenging but not impossible.

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