ANC fields eight candidates for mayor in this municipality
Political observers view this surge of candidates as a clear sign of significant internal strife in the ANC.
The African National Congress (ANC) has put forward a record-breaking eight candidates for mayor in the Rustenburg local municipality located in North West province. This substantial number of candidates is seen as a strong indication of mounting internal tensions within the ANC party.
Rustenburg's political landscape changed dramatically after the 2021 local elections, when the ANC lost its sole dominance of the local council. The party has since had to form alliances with other smaller political parties to maintain power in the municipality.
North West province has a rich tradition of vibrant civil society organizations winning seats in various municipalities. Many of these new political parties have emerged due to divisions and disagreements within the ANC ranks. Among the ANC contenders for the Rustenburg mayor's post is the incumbent mayor and Bojanala regional chair of the ANC, Shiela Mabale-Huma.
Another notable contender includes former Minister of Economic Development Paul Sebegoe. Jeanette Dibetso-Nyathi, who was previously the mayor of Rustenburg, is also seeking the mayoral title. Koketso Mogomotsi, the current ANC provincial elections manager and former speaker of the Rustenburg council, is another serious contender.
Matthews Wolmarans, a former mayor of Rustenburg and ex-member of parliament, and Wendy Matsemela, chairperson of the ANC Women's League and former Minister of Economic Development, are also in the running for the mayoral position.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
