ANC confident it will submit LGE candidate lists on time

The African National Congress (ANC) has stated its intent to submit its candidate lists for the upcoming polls on the scheduled date. This assurance comes despite the late revelation of its mayoral candidates. Parties are granted until the close of business on Friday to submit the names of their representatives to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

The ANC had planned to reveal its mayoral candidates on Saturday, but this announcement was abruptly halted. The party is currently convening a Special Extended National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Kempton Park, East Rand, to deliberate and endorse the names of its prospective mayors.

During a media interaction following the meeting, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula affirmed the party's confidence that the process would conclude as per the stipulated timelines. He stated, “We are confident that the process will be concluded within the prescribed timelines and that the ANC will submit its final candidate lists to the Independent Electoral Commission as required.

The responsibility that follows is clear: to take our manifesto, our message and our selected leadership to every ward, every community and every corner of South Africa.” Mbalula emphasized, “The people have entrusted us with the responsibility to lead. We must therefore continue to earn that trust through ethical leadership, accountable governance and dedicated service.”

The integrity of the electoral process hinges on candidates not being chosen based on individual preferences or personal ambitions, but rather emerging from a democratic and collective process involving the movement structures and the communities the representatives will serve.