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

This move is critical as the party seeks to retain control of major urban centers and counter gains made by the Democratic Alliance. With fewer than 100 days remaining before the local elections [3], the ANC is pivoting toward a centralized selection process to ensure candidates can improve service delivery.

Party Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said that the selection process now emphasizes a rigorous vetting system. "Candidates will be assessed on competence, ethics, and fitness," Mbalula said [2]. This shift toward centralization is intended to field leaders who are less prone to corruption and more capable of managing municipal resources.

The upcoming elections are scheduled for Nov. 4, 2026 [4]. The party is focusing heavily on regional structures, including the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg [1]. In Johannesburg, the selection process has seen some internal friction. While regional structures initially backed Masuku as their first choice, reports from Business Day suggest Chikane has been chosen as the most appropriate candidate to rival the DA's Helen Zille [5].

Mbalula also addressed the current state of municipal governance during the lead-up to these announcements. "The finances of the municipality are now stable," Mbalula said [6].

By centralizing the process, the ANC aims to move away from localized factionalism and present a unified front. The party intends to field candidates who are viewed as professional administrators rather than just political figures, a strategy designed to appeal to urban voters concerned with governance and infrastructure.

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

The ANC's decision to centralize candidate selection signals a strategic shift to prioritize technocratic competence over local political loyalty. By vetting candidates on 'ethics and fitness,' the party is attempting to insulate itself from accusations of corruption and instability that have historically benefited the Democratic Alliance in metropolitan areas. The outcome of these selections will determine whether the ANC can stabilize its hold on South Africa's economic hubs or continue to lose ground in the urban centers.