‘Unifier’ Chikane’s exclusion from ANC mayoral list could spell doom for the party

Frank Chikane's absence from the ANC's Johannesburg mayoral candidate list could pose significant risks for the party as they approach the local government elections. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula revealed that Chikane did not make it onto the councillor candidate lists forwarded to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), attributing this omission to an administrative error.

However, The Citizen previously reported that Chikane had expressed no interest in assuming the mayoral role for his party. Senior party leaders were reportedly so concerned about his exclusion that they had pleaded with him to participate in a Sandton ceremony announcing the party's mayoral candidates. Chikane is widely regarded as a frontrunner for the Johannesburg mayorship, alongside current mayor Dada Morero and his deputy, Loyiso Masuku.

Political analyst Theo Neethling stated that Chikane's exclusion could bolster Morero's prospects of becoming the face of the ANC's campaign in Johannesburg. He emphasized that Chikane was seen as a potential unifier who could bridge the divide between Morero and Masuku, serving as a symbol of political revitalization in Johannesburg.

Should Chikane be removed from contention, Morero might become the leading internal candidate by default, potentially complicating the ANC's efforts to convince Johannesburg voters of its unique approach. While Morero's candidacy presents a potential path to continuity and experience, Neethling highlighted the crucial challenge of convincing voters of the need for genuine political renewal.

The exclusion of Chikane might strengthen Morero's position, but it should not be interpreted as an endorsement of his electoral suitability. Following Morero's recent insensitivity towards a resident during a public meeting, the resident had called him a criminal, Dada Morero and the party had subsequently apologized. In a recent podcast episode of The Citizen's The Movement elections podcast, ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji expressed support for Loyiso Masuku as the mayoral candidate, asserting that Chikane had already fulfilled his role in previous government positions.

Malatji believed that Chikane should serve as an advisor from a distance, leveraging his credibility as a member of the ANC's integrity committee. He also advocated for Dada Morero to be deployed to higher responsibilities within the provincial or national government following the elections.