ANC and DA face off in Khayelitsha as candidate selections unfold
As tensions rise over candidate selections, the DA unveils its ward councillor candidates for Khayelitsha, while the ANC finalises its list, setting the stage for a fierce electoral battle in the Western Cape.
The African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) are engaged in a political battle in Khayelitsha, as the DA has recently unveiled its candidate ward councillors for the predominantly ANC-area. DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and his deputies announced five candidates at Site C, a location within Khayelitsha that has been a point of contention. The DA aims to secure a win in these wards after 12 years without success, citing the poor service from ANC councillors.
ANC spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni dismissed the DA's move, stating that the party's attempts to poach ANC councillors have failed in the past. Mtsweni emphasized that the ANC will unveil its own credible and popular candidates, who will enjoy the confidence of the people. The ANC is currently in the process of finalizing its candidate list, having been involved in a three-month-long conference with Tripartite Alliance partners Sanco and Cosatu to select councillors for the upcoming elections.
Disputes over candidate selection have been a recurring issue, with Khayelitsha residents raising concerns about the representation on the City of Cape Town council list. Mtsweni assured that all disputes in the province have been resolved and that the ANC adheres to guidelines requiring candidates to possess a minimum of matric and preferably post-matric qualifications.
He further noted that the ANC Eastern Cape branch will make a submission to the National Executive Committee upon finalizing the lists, concluding the councillor selection by Thursday.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
