ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula is facing a backlash within the party over chaos surrounding its election candidate lists, according to TimesLIVE. Candidates were reportedly left off lists submitted to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), putting the party at risk of losing control of some municipalities. The blunder has sparked internal criticism of Mbalula, known as 'Boss', over his handling of the selection process.

Eastern Cape ANC provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi has publicly challenged the party's secretary-general Fikile Mbalula over the ANC's failure to submit council candidates for elections. According to TimesLIVE, Ngcukayitobi is demanding answers as a bitter internal blame game erupts within the party over who is responsible for the failed submission. The dispute highlights deepening divisions inside the ANC ahead of the polls.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has responded to recent anti-illegal immigration protests by suggesting that public frustration regarding border security should be addressed through voting rather than demonstrations. He emphasized the importance of using the ballot box to express concerns about porous borders.

National Liberal Party leader and Anzauni Clan Patron Dr Augustus Kyalo Muli has questioned the growing opposition narrative that it is automatically Kalonzo Musyoka's time to lead the coalition into the 2027 presidential election. According to KBC, Muli accused the Wiper leader of using Kamba community votes as a bargaining tool to secure political positions, challenging the "Kalonzo tosha" slogan gaining traction within opposition ranks ahead of the next polls.

South African political party Afrika Mayibuye has defended its decision to field Themba "SkeemGP" Nzimande, an ex-convict, as a mayoral candidate. According to SABC Politics, the party is facing fierce public backlash following the announcement of Nzimande's candidacy. The party has stood by its choice despite the criticism from the public over his criminal record.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have condemned National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza's choice not to contest President Cyril Ramaphosa's legal attempt to halt impeachment proceedings against him. This decision has sparked criticism from both political parties, highlighting divisions in the response to the impeachment process.