As the African National Congress (ANC) prepares for the 2026 local government elections, a growing wave of scandals threatens to undermine the party’s credibility and electoral strength.

Central to the latest controversy are allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, a senior ANC figure, whose alleged misconduct has intensified scrutiny on the party’s commitment to clean governance.

Over the weekend, KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of links to controversial businessman Vusimusi ‘Cat’ Matlala.

The minister is also alleged to have disbanded the province’s political killings task team, a move critics believe was aimed at shielding those implicated in high-level corruption.

Observers argue that the ANC’s reputation has been steadily damaged by such controversies, which they view as part of a deeper crisis within the party’s leadership.

Analysts say the persistence of misconduct at the top has made it increasingly difficult for the ANC to convince the public that it stands for accountability and transparency.

KwaZulu-Natal, once a stronghold for the ANC, has seen a significant erosion of support. Internal divisions, unresolved leadership battles, and repeated allegations of corruption have contributed to a steady decline in voter confidence.

Political analysts warn that the continued fallout from scandals could further fragment the party’s base and shift momentum towards rival parties such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and emerging political movements.

Internal power struggles have also intensified, with some ANC leaders believed to be quietly positioning themselves ahead of the next national elective conference. This has added another layer of instability to an already volatile political environment.

Experts caution that these are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a broader governance crisis. There is growing concern that the ANC’s handling of corruption allegations (often perceived as dismissive or self-protective) may alienate voters even further.

The lack of decisive action against those implicated is seen as a sign that the party prioritises internal loyalty over public accountability.

Beyond the impact on party politics, the trust deficit is having broader consequences for democratic engagement. Analysts fear that public disillusionment could translate into reduced voter turnout in 2026, weakening not only the ANC’s position but also the legitimacy of the electoral process itself.

As pressure mounts, the ANC has confirmed that Mchunu will appear before the party’s Integrity Committee. Whether this process will help restore public confidence remains uncertain, but with the local government elections fast approaching, the stakes are increasingly high for South Africa’s ruling party.