By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) is embarking on a headhunting mission to find capable people to represent the party in the upcoming municipal elections.
Speaking during a media briefing in Johannesburg, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula said the party was entering a “decisive phase” in preparing for the 2026 local government elections, centering on the credibility of governance at local level.
Mbalula says the public, for the first time, will have an opportunity to submit names of people suitable to be councillor and mayoral candidates.
The process, Mbalula said, would be complemented by structured consultation with provincial and regional leadership to ensure that the final pool of candidates reflected national strategic priorities and the lived realities of communities.
“This move ensures that the selection process is not hindered by regional factionalism and that high-calibre leadership is maintained nationally,” he explained.
He said the party seeks to finalise its candidate selection process by June, ahead of what is expected to be a fierce electoral battle later this year.
He assured that a rigorous and transparent assessment process would be undertaken, featuring strict requirements approved by the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
ANC national officials will finalise and approve mayoral candidates based on their competence, credibility, and capacity to deliver on the party’s transformation agenda.
This process, Mbalula added, would include creating strategic leadership teams in municipalities to ensure “stable, coherent, and effective governance”.
The secretary-general also reiterated that the party plans to formally respond to the SACP’s decision to contest the upcoming elections independently, following internal discussions within the alliance.
He added that the party remains committed to unity and continued engagement, rather than a breakup.
However, he highlighted that the party has moved past trying to persuade the SACP not to contest and is now focused on how both parties would maintain the alliance during and after the elections.
“The practicality of that decision, that’s what the ANC seeks to answer, not whether we agree or not agree. We have passed that stage. We have failed to convince the Communist Party not to contest for an election, but that contest also comes with ramifications,” Mbalula said.
Mbalula has also sought to reassure the public that the party remains on good terms with the family of late SACP leader Chris Hani, following a walkout over a wreath-laying event earlier this week.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, 8 April, was cut short after members of the Hani family left, accusing the City of Ekurhuleni of altering the nature of the event without consultation.
Mbalula stressed that relations between the party and the Hani family remain intact.
He explained that the Ekurhuleni municipality’s involvement stems from a long-standing council resolution to commemorate Hani’s life, which has made the city a consistent participant in related events.
Meanwhile the embattled Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe will be called before the ANC’s Integrity Commission.
Tolashe is facing scrutiny over two luxury SUVs intended as a donation for the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) from Chinese representatives.
Mbalula did not indicate when Tolashe would appear before the body.
The Integrity Commission is the ANC’s internal disciplinary body. Chaired by the Rev Frank Chikane, it is tasked with investigating party members implicated in fraud, corruption and misconduct.
The body can recommend a number of sanctions, which then have to be authorised by the NEC: most notably, the requirement that a party representative must step aside from their political role.