African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has issued a stark warning that an unsuccessful outcome in the party’s Constitutional Court appeal regarding its proportional-representation (PR) candidate lists would have a devastating impact on its performance in the upcoming local government elections. Speaking during a campaign event in KuGompo City, Mbalula acknowledged the gravity of the legal battle, which has cast a shadow over the ANC’s preparations for the 4 November polls.
The appeal stems from a dispute over the party’s PR lists, which are critical to determining the allocation of council seats in municipalities across the country. If the Constitutional Court rules against the ANC, the party could be forced to reconfigure its lists, potentially excluding candidates who have already been campaigning and disrupting its electoral strategy at a crucial moment.
“We are a party that respects the rule of law, but we must also be honest about the consequences,” Mbalula said. “If we lose this case, it will have a devastating impact on our performance. We have built our campaign around these candidates, and to have them removed at the eleventh hour would be a severe blow.”
The legal challenge was brought by disgruntled party members and opposition groups who argue that the ANC’s candidate selection processes were flawed, excluding legitimate candidates and undermining internal democracy. The ANC has defended its processes, insisting that they were conducted in accordance with party rules and the law.
Mbalula used the occasion to rally support for the ANC’s campaign, urging voters to focus on the party’s track record and its plans for service delivery, job creation, and infrastructure development. He acknowledged that the party faces a tough contest but expressed confidence that its message would resonate with voters.
The Constitutional Court’s ruling is expected in the coming days, adding a layer of uncertainty to an already volatile electoral environment. For the ANC, the stakes could not be higher. A favourable outcome would allow the party to proceed with its campaign as planned. A loss would force a scramble to reconfigure its lists and could hand a significant advantage to opposition parties.
As Mbalula crisscrossed the campaign trail, his warning served as a reminder that the battle for local government is being fought not only in the streets and communities but also in the courts. For the ANC, the next few days could determine whether its campaign stays on track or derails entirely.
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