{
  "id": 3423972,
  "title": "New ANC directive mandates councillors to obtain matric certificates within a year",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/new-anc-directive-mandates-councillors-to-obtain-matric-certificates",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/the-star/news/2026-08-26-new-anc-directive-mandates-councillors-to-obtain-matric-certificates-within-a-year/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The ANC electoral committee has introduced a new rule requiring councillor candidates without matric certificates to obtain one within 12 months of taking office. This directive was issued after requests for waivers were made by ANC structures for councillors lacking this qualification. The committee, chaired by former President Kgalema Motlanthe, emphasized that those granted a grace period must pledge their commitment to acquiring the qualification within the specified timeframe. Failure to do so would result in their removal from the candidate list. Initially, the committee accepted waivers for nine councillors based on their qualifications and motivations. However, it rejected the remaining waiver recommendations due to unsatisfactory reasons and motivations. The electoral committee stressed the importance of adhering to the deadline for candidate registration with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and requested candidates to pledge their commitment to obtaining a matric or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4 or higher within a year of their appointment. This move aligns with the ANC's emphasis on skills and education for councillor candidates, as highlighted in the party's Local Government Election (LGE) Manifesto. Political analyst Professor Musa Xulu noted that while the grace period might facilitate change, it may not be sufficient for candidates with limited educational backgrounds, as high-level municipal documents necessitate a certain level of education for proper understanding and interpretation.",
  "summary": "The ANC election committee has introduced a new directive requiring councillor candidates without matric certificates to obtain one within 12 months of taking office. This decision aims to enhance the qualifications of local leaders and address the challenges of populist politics",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}