Deputy President Mashatile believes ANC has what it takes to lead 2026 elections
The deputy president says coalition governance has become South Africa's reality as voters make their mark at polling stations.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile expressed confidence after casting his ballot at St Johannes Lutheran Church in Kelvin, Ward 109, and urged citizens to turn out in numbers.
“I’m sure that the ANC will lead in this election,” he said, thanking party volunteers for their efforts during the election campaign.
Mashatile described election day as an important moment for the country’s democracy, saying it was encouraging to see people heading to voting stations across different parts of South Africa.
However, he noted that turnout appeared slower in some areas and urged eligible voters not to remain at home.
Catch up on the latest election updates in and around Sandton. Click here: Sandton voters head to the polls: Live update
He appealed particularly to those who felt disappointed or disillusioned with political leadership and questioned whether their votes would make a difference.
“Don’t give up hope. Voting is what we fought for. It’s their right. When you sit at home and not vote, some other people will vote for you,” he said.
According to Mashatile, voters had several political parties to choose from, making participation in the democratic process particularly important.
Also read: Sandton youth voters share hopes for Johannesburg ahead of 2026 elections
Focus on implementation
He also expressed confidence in the ANC’s candidate selection, saying the party had put forward candidates at mayoral and ward councillor level who were expected to implement its policies.
“We have put up very good candidates. Right from the mayors downwards to ward councillors. Our mayors were interviewed. We checked them and so on,” he said.
He added that the party had communicated its policies to its candidates and that the focus should now shift towards implementation. “We’ve got good policies. Now it’s time for action,” he said.
Conditions for coalition pacts
On the possibility of coalition governments, Mashatile acknowledged that coalitions had become part of South Africa’s political landscape and said the ANC would be willing to work with parties that shared its priorities where it did not secure an outright majority.
He said potential coalition partners should have a common commitment to serving communities rather than simply pursuing political numbers.
“It must not just be a numbers game. It must be sitting down and saying, do we all agree that these are the priorities?” he said.
Mashatile identified economic growth, job creation, water challenges and service delivery as priorities that should form the basis of any coalition agreement.
Also read: Herman Mashaba casts his vote in Sandton as ActionSA targets Joburg victory
“Those parties that agree with us on that kind of programme, we will work with them,” he said.
He concluded by repeating his call for South Africans to take part in the vote: “It’s a democracy, it’s free, there’s no intimidation, there’s no violence. Please come out.”
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