ANC
The African National Congress (ANC) has committed to putting forward only capable, ethical, and qualified candidates for the upcoming local government elections in 2026. This pledge comes as the party’s national executive committee (NEC), its top decision-making body between conferences, holds a special meeting at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni. The gathering, running from Saturday, 4 October to Monday, 6 October 2025, focuses on the candidate selection process among other key issues.  ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, speaking at a media briefing on Saturday, underlined the party’s serious approach to the trust placed in it by voters to tackle the nation’s challenges. “This is not just about compiling lists; it’s about the quality of leadership we put before our people. Our process is clear and uncompromising. Candidates must emerge from community consultations, undergo rigorous vetting and be assessed, not by factional loyalty, but by their integrity,” Mbalula said.
As South Africa gears up for the polls, the ANC aims to rebuild public confidence amid past criticisms of corruption and poor service delivery in municipalities. With unemployment, poverty, and infrastructure woes topping voter concerns, the party’s emphasis on merit-based selection could help stem losses seen in recent elections. Mbalula’s remarks signal a shift towards accountability, promising to sideline underperformers and prioritise those ready to serve communities effectively.
NEC Meeting Tackles Candidate Vetting and Municipal Turnaround
The special NEC meeting at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre is set to finalise guidelines for the election candidate lists.  This comes as the ANC ramps up preparations for the 2026 local government elections, where it hopes to regain ground in key areas. Discussions include rigorous vetting processes to ensure only those with clean records and proven abilities make the cut.
Mbalula stressed that the ANC values the faith South Africans have in it to resolve pressing issues like joblessness and inequality. He highlighted the need for leaders assessed on integrity rather than internal alliances, aiming to present a slate that truly represents community needs. The party plans to draw candidates from grassroots consultations, ensuring broader input and reducing factional influences that have plagued past selections.
This approach follows earlier warnings from Mbalula about replacing underperforming mayors as part of interventions in struggling municipalities across the country.  The ANC acknowledges that quality leadership is key to turning around local governance, where many areas face service delivery backlogs.
Focus on Integrity to Rebuild Voter Trust
In his briefing, Mbalula made it clear that the candidate process goes beyond mere formalities. It involves thorough assessments to weed out those unfit for public office, prioritising ethics and capability. This stance addresses long-standing complaints about ANC representatives embroiled in scandals or failing to deliver.
The party sees this as a chance to show it is serious about renewal, especially after electoral setbacks. By committing to community-driven selections and strict vetting, the ANC hopes to field teams that can effectively tackle local challenges like water shortages, road repairs, and economic development.
Mbalula’s emphasis on “quality of leadership” resonates in a context where voters demand more from their elected officials. The process aims to produce candidates who can inspire confidence and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
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