The African National Congress will not allow new councillor candidates without matric certificates to stand for office [1, 2].
This policy shift aims to ensure that local government representatives meet basic educational standards. By tightening requirements, the party intends to uphold its credibility during the candidate selection process for upcoming local government elections [1, 2].
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the directive during a special extended National Executive Committee meeting [1]. Under the new rules, the party will maintain a strict barrier for new entrants to local government. Only incumbent councillors who currently lack a matric certificate may apply for a waiver to continue their service [1].
For those granted such waivers, the party has established a strict timeline for compliance. These candidates must obtain their matric certificate within 12 months [3] of taking office.
The decision comes as the party prepares for the next cycle of local elections. The move signals a transition toward professionalizing local governance and reducing the number of representatives who lack formal secondary education [1, 2].
While some reports have suggested that a lack of matriculation might not be a barrier, the party leadership said that the requirement is mandatory for all new applicants [1]. This internal mandate ensures that every new face representing the party in council possesses the minimum educational qualification required by the state [1].
“The ANC will not allow new councillor candidates without matric certificates to stand for office.”
This directive reflects an internal push within the ANC to improve the quality of governance at the municipal level. By mandating a matric certificate, the party is attempting to mitigate criticism regarding the competence of local councillors and align its candidate pool with national educational benchmarks.
