ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has directed party branches to endorse candidates preferred by communities, warning against any manipulation of the nomination process.
Three weeks after protests erupted in Khayelitsha over a disputed ward candidate selection, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has taken action by instructing party structures nationwide to support candidates chosen by local communities for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
In a directive dated July 15, Mbalula warned that attempts to manipulate results could result in disciplinary action, including expulsion from the party.
The circular comes after residents of Ward 98 in Khayelitsha marched on June 27 in protest against what they described as attempts to overturn the community's preferred candidate for the upcoming local government elections.
In the letter addressed to ANC structures nationwide, Mbalula said branches must "respect and endorse candidates who emerge as preferred nominees during community meetings" in final Branch General Meetings (BGMs).
