The African National Congress (ANC) will unveil its mayoral candidates for eight metropolitan municipalities and 22 secondary cities within two weeks [1], [2].

This selection process is critical as the party seeks to regain public trust and ensure administrative stability ahead of the 2026 local government elections [2]. By centralizing the selection of candidates, the ANC aims to prevent local factionalism from dictating leadership choices in key urban centers.

National officials have already interviewed more than 200 candidates [1]. The party is prioritizing a rigorous vetting process to ensure that those nominated are capable of governing effectively without engaging in corruption.

"Candidates will be assessed on competence, ethics, and fitness," Fikile Mbalula said [3].

The ANC is fielding candidates across eight metros [1] and 22 secondary cities [1] to maintain its footprint across South Africa. This nationwide push is designed to project a unified front as the party enters the campaign phase.

Internal tensions remain evident in some regions. In the eThekwini municipality, an ANC spokesperson said, "We are not scared of 'dormant' Zandile Gumede" [3].

Contradictions have also surfaced regarding the nomination for Johannesburg. Regional structures initially backed Masuku as their first choice [2]. However, reports indicate Frank Chikane has been chosen as the most appropriate candidate to rival the Democratic Alliance's Helen Zille [2].

The party expects to finalize and announce the full slate of candidates by early August [2], marking the official start of its localized electoral push.

“Candidates will be assessed on competence, ethics, and fitness.”

The ANC's decision to centralize candidate selection for the 2026 elections suggests a strategic shift to prioritize perceived integrity over regional popularity. By emphasizing 'ethics and fitness' and interviewing hundreds of candidates at a national level, the party is attempting to insulate its mayoral picks from the local patronage networks that have historically led to governance failures and corruption scandals in South African municipalities.