DA Honors ConCourt Decision to Reinstate 181 ANC Candidates

Johannesburg – The Democratic Alliance (DA), the second largest coalition member in the Government of National Unity, states that it “upholds the rule of law and respects the verdict of the Constitutional Court.”

Earlier on Thursday, 15 October 2026, the court ruled in favor of the African National Congress (ANC), the largest partner in the GNU.

The court mandated the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to include 181 ANC candidates on the ballot for the 4 November local government elections after these candidates were initially excluded due to issues in the online nomination procedure.

In response to the decision, Ashor Sarupen, DA Federal Council Chairperson, remarked: “This ruling raises significant concerns regarding the precedent it sets for adhering to the IEC’s deadlines and stipulations, as courts have previously maintained that strict adherence to deadlines is required in all cases.”

Sarupen further stated, “The ANC has successfully managed to reverse their own failure to submit candidate lists in six municipalities through this court ruling.

“Nevertheless, this will not alter their electoral outcome.

‘The ANC is in irreversible decline, and its support across South Africa is at historically low levels.”

Sarupen noted ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula’s warnings regarding the GNU.

Following the court ruling, Mbalula suggested that the ANC might need to reevaluate its relationship with the DA within the GNU.

He informed reporters that “nothing binds us for eternity” and implied there were other parties the ANC could consider collaborating with in Parliament.

Responding to Mbalula’s comments, Sarupen asserted: “The truth is that the DA is not in the GNU to simply conform; we are committed to vigorously uphold the rule of law and its impartial application.

“Currently, our primary focus is on winning elections in towns and cities, and removing the ANC, as they have devastated those municipalities.”

Sarupen highlighted that the DA is the only party contesting every ward in every municipality and expressed optimism for the elections on November 4, anticipating they will emerge as the leading party in many more municipalities than ever before.

“The DA is dedicated to halting the chaos and initiating service delivery in towns and cities affected by the ANC’s mismanagement,” Sarupen concluded.

Meanwhile, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu reported that Mbalula, who collapsed during a media briefing outside the court, is currently receiving medical attention and is expected to recover.

Mbalula, who appeared visibly distressed and was sweating, informed reporters he was unwell before losing consciousness.

He was assisted by aides in leaving the location.

ANC VS IEC | “The Constitution has spoken, and it has spoken for the people of this country,” says ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, who is emotional and brought to tears following the party’s victory in the Constitutional Court. pic.twitter.com/2zYc7pXGtc

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 15, 2026

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