As South Africa looks toward its next local government elections, the ANC is rolling out a national “roll call” event to rally its councillors and reaffirm its commitment to service delivery.
The party says this gathering is a crucial step in sharpening its focus and preparing for the 2026 elections, aiming to reconnect with communities and showcase accountability at the local level.
Details of the Upcoming Roll Call
The ANC announced on Wednesday that the event will be held at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, Gauteng, on Monday.
This comes after the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) confirmed last week that the local elections could take place anytime between 2 November 2026 and 31 January 2027.
The gathering promises to bring together councillors from across the country to reaffirm the party’s dedication to serving the public.
Rebuilding After 2024 Election Setbacks
The ANC faces a more challenging political landscape after losing its national majority in the 2024 general elections.
The party now governs in coalition in key metros including Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni.
In eThekwini, it holds a slim majority, with concerns that Jacob Zuma’s MK Party could make inroads.
Cape Town, which the ANC last governed in 2005, is no longer within its reach.
Despite these setbacks, ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri emphasized that the party’s service delivery agenda remains a top priority.
“The people of South Africa have made their choice crystal clear that they place their faith and trust in the ANC,” she said, stressing that critics’ narratives of decline do not reflect reality.
Strengthening Service Delivery and Local Government
Bhengu-Motsiri highlighted the party’s ongoing renewal process, insisting the ANC remains a stable and committed force.
“With every ward retained and every mandate renewed, the ANC recommits to intensifying service delivery, strengthening local government, and ensuring that the people’s needs are always placed first,” she added.
The roll call event is expected to reaffirm these commitments and outline practical steps to accelerate development and interventions in local communities.
Historical Context of ANC Roll Calls
This is not the first time the ANC has held such a gathering.
In 2021, the party conducted a similar roll call just a month before local elections to confirm its list of candidates.
Such events have historically served as platforms for internal coordination and public messaging ahead of polls.
Alliance Tensions and Opposition Movements
The ruling party also faces tensions within its tripartite alliance.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) has signaled its intention to contest elections independently, aiming to deepen working-class influence and provide a socialist alternative for communities.
This could create new dynamics in the 2026 elections, making the ANC’s roll call all the more significant in terms of strategy and unity.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the ANC prepares for its national roll call, the key question is whether this event can help rebuild trust with voters and secure victories in local elections.
With service delivery, accountability, and community engagement at the forefront, the party is hoping to translate its organizational strength into tangible results when South Africans head to the polls next year.