The African National Congress ( ANC ) in Gauteng is ramping up preparations for the 2026 local government elections, aiming to reverse its declining support in the province. The party plans to hold several election workshops in the coming months to develop its campaign strategy.
The 2026 municipal polls are expected to be fiercely contested, with new political parties likely to enter the race. On Wednesday, the party’s provincial task team briefed the media in Johannesburg on its preparations.
Following a disappointing performance in the 2024 general elections, where the party lost its majority in Gauteng, an internal review highlighted underperforming branches and eroding public trust as key issues. Co-convenor Hope Papo emphasized the need to avoid a repeat in 2026.
“A full-time elections machinery is being established, supported by a campaign strategy targeting areas of electoral decline and historically marginalised communities,” Papo said. “We will hold regional election strategy workshops for the three metros and two districts by month’s end.”
The party has steadily lost ground in Gauteng, no longer holding majorities in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni.
