ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile led a door-to-door campaign in Alexandra, Johannesburg, on Saturday to mobilize voters [1].
The effort comes as the African National Congress prepares for local government elections scheduled for Nov. 4, 2026 [3]. Securing strong mayoral candidates in major metros is critical for the party to maintain its governance footprint across South Africa.
During the campaign activity, Mashatile discussed the process of selecting candidates for the country's metropolitan areas [1]. He said the party's top seven officials are currently working on the mayoral-candidate matter [1]. This internal selection process is a key step in the party's strategy to ensure victory in the upcoming polls [3].
The mobilization in Alexandra is part of a broader push to engage directly with constituents. By visiting homes, the ANC leadership aims to address local concerns, and solidify voter loyalty before the official election cycle intensifies. These grassroots efforts are intended to counter political opposition and ensure a cohesive party front—a priority for the ANC as it navigates a competitive electoral landscape.
This activity follows previous outreach efforts, including campaigns held during Workers’ Day on May 1, 2024 [2]. The consistency of these visits suggests a long-term strategy to maintain visibility in working-class neighborhoods like Alexandra, which often serve as political bellwethers in the Gauteng province.
“The party’s top seven officials are busy with the mayoral‑candidate matter.”
The ANC's decision to deploy high-ranking leadership for door-to-door canvassing indicates a shift toward aggressive grassroots mobilization. By prioritizing the finalization of the mayoral list through a small circle of seven top officials, the party is attempting to centralize control over candidate quality to prevent electoral losses in key urban centers.
