The African National Congress (ANC) has announced a dramatic increase in its membership, claiming to have grown from 584,357 members in December 2024 to 1,479,257 by August 2025—a rise of over 150% in just eight months.
Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula announced the figures at a press conference at Luthuli House, presenting it as proof that the party remains a powerful political force despite receiving less than 50% of the vote in the last national election. He credited the growth to “hard work from grassroots individuals” and reconnecting with communities.
This surge comes after a difficult election season for the ANC, which faced internal strife, the rise of new opposition parties like the MK Party, and the challenges of coalition politics. The claimed growth paints a more optimistic picture of the party’s support base than recent polls.
However, the announcement has been met with both celebration and skepticism. Some within the party have hailed it as a sign of renewal, while others have recalled past incidents of inflated membership numbers and called for thorough verification.
Political analysts have cautioned that membership numbers do not automatically translate into voter support or internal party unity. The opposition Democratic Alliance has questioned the figures, with a spokesperson stating, “we have seen the ANC manipulate numbers before,” and calling for an independent audit.
The ANC says it will publish a comprehensive membership audit in the coming weeks to substantiate its claims. This membership drive is a key part of the party’s broader “Renewal Agenda” aimed at fixing its image and rebuilding discipline ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.