The ANC will tighten control over mayoral candidate selection for the 2026 local elections, with Fikile Mbalula saying candidates must demonstrate competence, undergo interviews and pass a strict “eye of the needle” process
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the party will introduce a stricter, centralised vetting system for the selection of mayoral candidates ahead of the 2026 local government elections, in a move aimed at ensuring that only individuals with proven skills and capacity are deployed to run municipalities.
Speaking at a media briefing this week following the African National Congress (ANC)’s recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Mbalula said the new approach forms part of the party’s preparations for the 2026 polls and reflects a shift towards tighter control over leadership deployment in key municipalities.
He said the ANC would no longer treat mayoral appointments as a routine electoral outcome, but as strategic deployments requiring careful assessment, particularly in metros and secondary cities where budgets are large, and service delivery pressures are high.
“If you want to become a mayor, you are a good South African. You agree with the ANC policies and support the ANC. Being a citizen, you will equally accept membership of the ANC. You will avail yourself, and on the basis of that, you will then be considered for participation,” Mbalula said.
