The African National Congress has officially opened its candidate selection process for the upcoming local government elections.
With the release of new rules, guidelines, and procedures, the party has set a strict criteria for those wishing to represent it on November 4, 2026. To qualify, aspirants must be members in good standing, hold a minimum qualification of matric, and demonstrate a proven track record of community service and political education.
Furthermore, all candidates must agree to a rigorous vetting process.
While the party has issued a public notice seeking high-level candidates for executive mayoral positions in metros and cities, that search remains quiet.
In contrast, the race for council seats in local municipalities is anything but peaceful. At this level, community members are encouraged to nominate and vote for their preferred candidates.
This participatory approach has turned the selection process into a pressure cooker of ambition and conflict.
As the official selection period begins, the competition for councillor positions has reached a fever pitch. Incumbent councillors are fighting hard to retain their seats, viewing them as essential positions of power. Meanwhile, a wave of new aspirants is pushing just as hard to get in.
For many of these newcomers, the position of councillor is seen as the ultimate career goal, offering a level of stability and perks that may be difficult to find elsewhere.
With limited qualifications, many see this role as a unique opportunity for employment, leading to an overwhelming number of applicants.
The intensity of the competition is further amplified by identity politics. Aspirants are frequently invoking their status as youth, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community to stake their claims for representation.
This has led to selection meetings that are often chaotic, loud, and increasingly marred by violence. As tensions rise, branches are becoming deeply fractured, with disputes over procedures and eligibility testing the party’s internal cohesion.
These internal struggles are happening against a backdrop of wider political instability.
The ANC is currently dealing with a series of high-profile defections, as veteran members leave to join other political organizations. Adding to the pressure is the decision by the South African Communist Party to contest the elections independently. Furthermore, a coalition of leftist organizations, known as the Congress of the Left, took place at the weekend.
The ANC has chosen to boycott these proceedings, signaling a deepening divide within the traditional alliance.
As things stand, the atmosphere within the party is one of significant anxiety. With the November 4 polls fast approaching, the sheer volume of candidates and the rising tide of internal conflict suggest that the party is facing its most difficult election cycle in years.
The combination of intense internal power struggles and the loss of long-term political partners leaves many observers questioning whether the ANC can maintain its dominance. For now, the focus remains on the branch meetings, where the battle for the ballot is testing the strength and the future of the ruling party.