The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has emerged from the recent municipal elections "bruised and bleeding," according to provincial chairperson Oscar Mabuyane. The party suffered historic losses, with Mabuyane admitting that the ANC's decline in electoral support is a significant challenge. The elections saw a critically low voter turnout, with over two million registered voters staying away across the province.
Mabuyane attributed the party's poor showing to voter apathy and low turnout on election day. He noted that around 1.7 million people participated in the elections in the Eastern Cape, while over two million registered voters did not cast their votes. Mabuyane emphasized that the absence of voters cannot simply be dismissed as political apathy, but rather reflects disappointment, frustration, and a growing distance between the ANC and the communities it serves.
The ANC lost its outright majority in Buffalo City Metro for the first time since 1994, achieving 41.93% of the vote and shedding some wards. The party now needs to negotiate with other political parties to retain power. Mabuyane described the situation in Buffalo City Metro as "particularly instructive" and emphasized that the ANC cannot wish away the electoral verdict but must respond with political maturity, organisational discipline, and strategic clarity.
Mabuyane urged party members to ensure that they "listen" to what voters communicated through the ballot in the November 4 elections. He emphasized that the party's responsibility now is to demonstrate that they have listened to the voters. The ANC's provincial leadership meeting was attended by national executive committee members and alliance partners, marking the party's first provincial leadership meeting since the municipal elections.
Mabuyane called for strict meritocracy over factional loyalty when appointing executive mayors, speakers, and chief whips. He emphasized that the highest degree of meritocracy should be the order of the day, as municipal political leadership is appointed. The party plans to rectify candidate lists legally after initial council sittings to restore several popular leaders who were excluded.
The ANC's immediate responsibility is to ensure the orderly constitution of municipal councils and the establishment of functional municipal administrations. Mabuyane emphasized that those who have distinguished themselves through effective leadership, administrative competence, and an unwavering commitment to service delivery deserve serious consideration for retention. Conversely, those whose tenures have been characterised by poor performance must make way for new leadership.
Mabuyane concluded that factional considerations, personal loyalties, and political patronage must find no accommodation in the appointment process. The party must deploy the best amongst them, especially those who have proven their capabilities and demonstrated the requisite skills. The ANC's goal is to restore its relationship with voters and regain their trust ahead of the 2029 national and provincial elections.
Key points
- ANC provincial chairperson Oscar Mabuyane admits party is 'bruised and bleeding' after historic losses in municipal elections
- Voter turnout was critically low, with over two million registered voters staying away across the Eastern Cape
- Mabuyane urges merit-based appointments, citing need for effective leadership and administrative competence
