ANC unveils mayoral candidates before local government elections

ANC Electoral Committee chairperson Kgalema Motlanthe, speaking to the media in Johannesburg, says the party will, for the first time in municipal elections, unveil its mayoral candidates for metros and “secondary cities” ahead of the upcoming local government polls.

The party has also released its updated guidelines for selecting candidates who will contest seats in municipal councils across the country.

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The newly issued framework sets out minimum requirements aimed at improving governance and strengthening leadership within local structures.

According to the guidelines, all prospective candidates must hold a matric certificate and possess relevant experience that equips them to contribute effectively to municipal operations.

The ANC says raising the bar for entry is part of its broader effort to enhance service delivery and restore public confidence in local government.

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Motlanthe outlined a series of integrity requirements that candidates must meet before being considered for nomination.

“All candidates must have no criminal records or criminal charges brought by the NPA. This, of course, includes politically related crimes committed before April 1994,” he said.

“No candidate shall be eligible for nomination if he or she has been found guilty by the disciplinary committee for contravening the code of conduct.” He added that gender parity remains a central focus of the ANC’s selection process.

“The list must also achieve 50% or more representation of women, in line with Rule 6 of the constitution, with every second candidate being a female throughout the list. It must reflect a mix of youth and age, ”he said.