No matric, no problem? Mbalula explains ANC’s IEC waiver for ward candidates

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has defended the party’s candidate guidelines, saying ward candidates without matric can seek an IEC waiver while mayoral candidates must meet stricter standards

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says a lack of matric does not automatically disqualify ANC ward councillor candidates, with the party’s guidelines allowing those without Grade 12 to apply for a waiver from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

Mbalula was speaking on the sidelines of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Tuesday, where he explained the party’s candidate-selection guidelines ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

He said the provision applied specifically to ward-level candidates who had been selected and had the support of their communities despite not having matric.

Mbalula said candidates must apply to the IEC for the waiver, which is responsible for processing the request.