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ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula briefs the media on mayoral candidates selection process for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Some African National Congress (ANC) regional leaders could be excluded from mayoral positions as the party embarks on its mayoral candidate selection, the party reveals at a media briefing in Boksburg east of Johannesburg on Friday.
The ANC has embarked on the selection for councillors and mayors with the process set to be finalised by the end of June.
Secretary-General Fikile Mblalula says they will invite members of the public to submit names of their preferred candidates.
Mbalula told the media that they would headhunt the best brains to lead metros and secondary cities.
“The ANC will embark on an intensive national process of identifying and headhunting capable mayoral candidates from across society. This includes experienced public representatives, professionals, community leaders, veterans of government, and individuals with proven leadership track records and governance capability. This approach deliberately expands the pool of leadership beyond our robust internal ANC processes, while remaining firmly rooted in the values and discipline of the organisation.”
ANC media briefing
Dual membership
Mbalula has also moved to clarify the party stance on dual membership within the Tripartite Alliance, amid growing debate over political participation and electoral competition.
The ANC Secretary-General says the party has historically allowed dual membership across alliance structures, but insists this remains subject to the ANC’s constitution.
He emphasises that the ANC constitution is clear that members who contest elections against the organisation forfeit their membership, underscoring the party’s internal rules on discipline and affiliation.
Mbalula adds that maintaining unity within the broader alliance remains a key concern and confirmed that the matter is currently under consideration by the ANC’s National Executive Committee.
He also acknowledges that the ANC was unsuccessful in persuading the South African Communist Party not to participate in electoral contests. Mbalula was speaking at a media briefing in Boksburg, ahead of a special sitting of the ANC NEC.
