ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula defended the party's decision to allow public nominations for mayoral candidates ahead of the 2026 local government elections [3].
This initiative represents a shift in how the African National Congress selects its leadership, moving toward a model that incorporates input from non-party members to ensure capable governance.
Speaking on the sidelines of a two-day ANC National Executive Committee meeting in Kempton Park, Mbalula dismissed criticisms regarding the nomination process [1]. He said the party intends to headhunt capable candidates and invite the public to propose names to ensure the best leadership is in place for the upcoming polls [2].
The process targets a wide range of administrative centers across the country. According to Mbalula, the party has opened public nominations for eight metropolitan municipalities [1]. Additionally, 22 cities and towns have been opened for public nominations [1].
These efforts are designed to enable ordinary South Africans to select their preferred mayoral candidates [2]. The party believes this approach will bridge the gap between the organization and the electorate as it prepares for the 2026 cycle [3].
Mbalula detailed the strategy during a media briefing at Birchwood, where he reiterated the party's commitment to a transparent, and inclusive selection process [1]. He said the goal is to identify individuals with the necessary skills to manage local government effectively, regardless of their previous ties to the party structure [2].
“The party has opened public nominations for eight metropolitan municipalities.”
By opening mayoral nominations to the general public, the ANC is attempting to mitigate internal factionalism and address public dissatisfaction with local service delivery. This strategy suggests the party is prioritizing perceived technical competence and public popularity over traditional party loyalty to regain electoral ground in the 2026 local government elections.
