The African National Congress will not allow new councillor candidates to stand without a matric certificate unless they commit to obtaining one [1].
This move targets the basic educational qualifications of local government representatives to improve overall governance standards across South Africa [3].
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula and the party's electoral committee announced the directive on Tuesday [1], [2]. The policy establishes a strict timeline for those who do not currently hold the qualification. Candidates who lack a matric certificate must secure the credential within 12 months [3] of taking office.
The party said it will not grant waivers for this requirement [1]. The directive aims to ensure that those managing municipal affairs possess a foundational level of education to handle the complexities of local administration [3].
However, some internal contradictions have emerged regarding the implementation of these standards. While the new directive mandates the certificate, Mbalula said that councillors and mayors have been selected based on merit [3]. This suggests a potential tension between the new educational mandate and the party's existing merit-based selection process.
Despite these contradictions, the electoral committee said that the commitment to study is a non-negotiable condition for those without the certificate [2]. Councillors who fail to meet the 12-month deadline face potential removal from their positions [2].
“The ANC will not allow new councillor candidates to stand without a matric certificate unless they commit to obtaining one.”
This directive represents an effort by the ANC to professionalize local government by setting a minimum educational floor. By enforcing a one-year grace period, the party is attempting to balance inclusivity with governance standards, though the tension between 'merit' and formal certification may lead to internal disputes over candidate eligibility.
