The African National Congress (ANC) has once again been forced into the spotlight, this time over internal discipline rather than public policy. Two of its prominent figures, Malusi Gigaba and Senzo Mchunu, are facing disciplinary hearings after making strong public statements that criticized the party’s leadership and direction.
For a movement that has long prided itself on collective discipline and loyalty, this episode raises fresh questions: Is the ANC defending its unity, or is it silencing dissenting voices at a time when honest self-reflection is most needed?
The Public Criticism That Sparked Action
Gigaba and Mchunu, both seasoned politicians with years in senior government positions, did not hold back in their assessments of the ANC’s current state. Gigaba accused the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) of failing in its responsibilities. He went even further, saying the ANC was no longer the true parliament of the people of South Africa—a statement that directly undermined the party’s image as the vehicle of liberation and representative of the majority.
Mchunu’s words were equally cutting. He warned that the ANC was “on the brink of collapse” and would likely lose power if it did not regroup ahead of the 2026 local government elections. His message reflected a fear that many South Africans already hold: the ANC is steadily losing the trust of the people.
For the ANC’s leadership, these remarks were more than personal opinions. They were seen as public acts of defiance, designed to embarrass the party, weaken its image, and embolden its rivals.
Why the ANC Views This as “De-Campaigning”
The party’s official response was swift. Gigaba and Mchunu, the ANC declared, had spoken outside of official channels and without any party mandate. By doing so, they had engaged in what the party labeled as “de-campaigning”—openly damaging the ANC’s standing in the public eye.
According to the ANC spokesperson, such statements do more than air dirty laundry. They cast doubt on the party’s unity, raise fears of collapse, and provide political opponents with ammunition. In a country where the ANC’s reputation has already taken heavy blows from corruption scandals and electoral losses, such words could prove costly at the ballot box.
The disciplinary summons is also rooted in the ANC’s long tradition of demanding collective loyalty. The party’s rules emphasize that internal debates should remain inside the organization, and that no member, regardless of rank, is above discipline. Gigaba and Mchunu’s seniority offered no shield.
Yet, outside observers argue that calling criticism “de-campaigning” is a convenient way to avoid addressing hard truths. Mchunu’s warning of possible collapse mirrors the concerns of many citizens who see the ANC slipping further from its liberation roots. By punishing him for saying this aloud, the party risks reinforcing the perception that it is more focused on silencing dissent than fixing problems.
Disciplinary Hearings and Their Consequences
Both Gigaba and Mchunu will now appear before the ANC’s disciplinary committee. While the party insists the process is about enforcing rules, it is also a political moment with wider consequences.
Mchunu’s case is particularly delicate. In addition to this disciplinary process, he remains under investigation for allegations of interfering in police operations, which already led to his suspension from ministerial duties. These overlapping troubles could weaken his standing inside the party and push him to the fringes of influence.
Gigaba, once seen as a rising star within the ANC, has also had a turbulent career. His resignation from cabinet during the fallout of state capture allegations dented his credibility. This latest clash with the ANC leadership could isolate him further unless he manages to recast himself as a voice of conscience for disillusioned supporters.
The outcome of the disciplinary hearings could shape their political futures. A harsh ruling may sideline them permanently, while a softer outcome could allow them to continue as critics from within. But regardless of the verdict, the message from the ANC is already clear: criticism that damages the party’s image will not be tolerated.
A Party at a Crossroads
The bigger issue lies beyond Gigaba and Mchunu. Their cases reflect the ANC’s struggle with how to handle dissent while facing deep political challenges.
The party has suffered steady electoral decline in recent years. In the 2021 local elections, its support dipped below 50% nationally for the first time. Service delivery failures, corruption scandals, and leadership battles have eroded its once-iron grip on the electorate. Looking ahead to the 2026 local elections, the ANC faces an uphill battle to restore faith among disillusioned voters.
In this context, open criticism from senior leaders is viewed by the party as dangerous. Unity, the ANC believes, is key to survival. But unity enforced through disciplinary action carries serious risks. It can create an atmosphere where members choose silence over honesty, and where fear replaces debate. That silence prevents the party from confronting the uncomfortable realities it needs to address in order to rebuild trust.
There is also a democratic concern. Political parties play a central role in shaping governance. If the ruling party punishes its own leaders for expressing critical views, it sends a signal that open debate is unwelcome. For a democracy like South Africa, this could deepen public cynicism about whether the ANC is still capable of representing the people’s interests rather than just protecting its brand.
Some analysts believe the ANC stands at a turning point. It must decide whether to open itself to honest reflection and reform, or whether to double down on strict discipline and risk alienating both its members and voters. The Gigaba and Mchunu cases may appear as isolated incidents, but they capture a larger tension between unity and dissent—between survival and renewal.
Closing Thoughts
The disciplinary steps against Malusi Gigaba and Senzo Mchunu show how uneasy the ANC has become with internal criticism. To the party, their remarks undermined unity at a time of political instability. To critics, the move looks like a purge, a way to silence voices that dare to say what many South Africans already think.
Whether one sees it as necessary discipline or suppression of truth, the moment is telling. The ANC is in a fragile place, caught between protecting its image and confronting its failures. How it resolves this balance will shape not only its future in the 2026 elections but also its role in South Africa’s democracy for years to come.