Mbalula demands unity, warns against violence as ANC JHB elects new leaders

With local government elections approaching, African National Congress (ANC)  Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has urged party members in Johannesburg to refrain from resorting to violence over leadership positions.

Speaking at the party’s regional elective conference earlier today, Mbalula emphasised the importance of unity as new ANC leaders for Johannesburg are elected tonight.

The contest for Regional Chairperson sees Dada Morero facing off against Loyiso Masuka.

Past municipal elections have seen a rise in politically motivated killings, with party members tragically targeting each other.

The Political Killings Task Team was established to curb the rising politically motivated murders, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has heard testimony from several Task Team members, who confirmed that politically related killings increase ahead of local government elections.

With new ANC leaders in Johannesburg expected to be elected tonight, the party’s next priority will be preparing for the 2026 municipal poll.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stressed that in preparing for the elections, party members must avoid using violence.

Mbalula has given the ANC in Johannesburg the difficult task of regaining its majority in the next municipal elections.