Six African National Congress (ANC) councillors in the Madibeng local municipality face disciplinary action after defying the party’s directive by walking out of a council meeting on 23 July 2026, a move which prevented a vote of no confidence against embattled Mayor Douglas Maimane. According to reporting by The Citizen, the party leadership is proceeding with internal charges after the councillors’ actions effectively protected the mayor from removal and undermined an officially sanctioned process.

ANC’s Record Of Enforcing Discipline Among Councillors

The ANC has a consistent record of disciplinary measures when members breach internal instructions, particularly concerning municipal leadership. In 2020, the party expelled 15 councillors in Mpumalanga for collaborating with opposition parties to illegally remove Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality mayor Thulare Madileng. Leah Mabuza, ANC Nkangala regional secretary, said, “Fifteen ANC councillors in Mpumalanga have been expelled for colluding with some opposition political parties and illegally removing the mayor…from office.” In February 2026, the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal suspended four ward councillors in Impendle Local Municipality for alleged misconduct, including conspiring against the party’s position.

Implications For Local Governance And Party Cohesion

The disciplinary action against the Madibeng councillors reflects the ANC’s ongoing efforts to maintain internal discipline and prevent divisions at the municipal level. “The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has confirmed the immediate suspension of four of its members who serve as ward councillors in the Impendle Local Municipality, following allegations of misconduct,” provincial spokesperson Fanle Sibisi told IOL in February. Enforcement of party decisions within local councils has been a key issue for the ANC as contested mayoral appointments and votes of no confidence frequently test the party’s unity and authority.

Disciplinary hearings for the Madibeng councillors are expected to proceed in the coming weeks, with outcomes likely to influence both local governance stability and the national debate about party discipline ahead of future municipal and national elections.