ANC Confirms Delegation Led by Nomvula Mokonyane Was Unable to Observe Tanzania Elections
The African National Congress (ANC) has confirmed that a high-level delegation led by its Deputy Secretary General, Comrade Nomvula Mokonyane, traveled to the United Republic of Tanzania to observe the country’s electoral process — but the mission took an unexpected turn after a sudden breakdown in communication left them unable to carry out their intended duties.
In a statement released on 31 October 2025, ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the delegation’s visit was undertaken at the invitation of Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). The mission was meant to reinforce long-standing ties of political solidarity between the two liberation movements and to observe the electoral process as part of established traditions of party-to-party cooperation across Africa.
However, according to the statement, the ANC delegation was unable to observe any aspect of the elections due to an unexplained communication breakdown. This unexpected situation disrupted the entire mission, raising questions about what exactly transpired during the visit.
“For reasons that are currently unknown, a breakdown in communication occurred. As a result, the delegation was unable to observe any aspect of the elections,” read part of the statement.
The ANC said that Nomvula Mokonyane will brief the party’s national office bearers on the matter once full details are known. The statement added that despite the setback, the ANC remains confident in the regional observer bodies and international missions accredited to oversee and evaluate the credibility of Tanzania’s electoral process.
Strong Historical Ties Between ANC and CCM
The ANC and Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) share deep-rooted historical ties dating back to Africa’s liberation struggles. Tanzania was a key base for ANC freedom fighters during apartheid, providing training grounds, logistical support, and political refuge to South African exiles.
The visit by Mokonyane’s delegation was therefore seen as a continuation of this long-standing partnership, reflecting the spirit of Pan-African solidarity that both parties have championed for decades. The ANC’s participation in CCM’s final pre-election rallies underscored the symbolic nature of the relationship, rooted in shared decolonial and liberation ideals.
“The African National Congress values its relationship with the people of Tanzania and remains committed to fostering constructive collaboration across the continent, which advances the decolonial aspirations of the liberation struggle,” the statement emphasized.
Questions Linger Over Election Observation Glitch
While the ANC’s statement remained diplomatic, the revelation of a communication breakdown has sparked speculation among political analysts about whether the issue was due to logistical mishaps, bureaucratic barriers, or political sensitivities surrounding the Tanzanian elections.
Election observation missions are typically highly coordinated, with invitations extended well in advance and clear protocols established. The sudden failure in communication suggests that either procedural misunderstandings or last-minute restrictions may have occurred.
Despite this, the ANC refrained from making any allegations or criticisms, instead choosing to await the findings of official international observer missions tasked with monitoring the election’s transparency and fairness.
Mokonyane Returns to South Africa
The ANC confirmed that Deputy Secretary General Nomvula Mokonyane has already returned safely to South Africa and will prepare a formal briefing for the party leadership regarding the trip. Her insights are expected to clarify what led to the breakdown and what lessons can be learned for future international engagements.
As Africa continues to strengthen inter-party relations across borders, the incident underscores the complexities of regional political cooperation and the importance of maintaining clear channels of communication between sister liberation movements.
The ANC reiterated its commitment to continental unity, emphasizing that it will continue to engage with parties like CCM to promote democratic governance, peace, and the shared aspirations of Africa’s people.
