ANC mayoral candidates to undergo strict vetting in bid for clean governance

The African National Congress (ANC) has introduced stricter measures against unethical leadership ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections next year.

During a press briefing in Johannesburg on Monday, ANC Electoral Committee Chairperson Kgalema Motlanthe announced an extensive vetting process aimed at eliminating unethical leaders from within the party.

A former deputy president of the ANC, outlined that candidates for metropolitan mayoral positions will be managed directly by the National Official Office Bearers to ensure that individuals selected possess not only the necessary skills but also the ethical integrity required to serve their communities effectively.

“This is to ensure that they select people who bring expertise and the requisite qualifications to occupy those positions,” said Motlanthe, emphasising the party’s commitment to fostering a leadership that reflects strong, diverse, and capable candidates.

In a further commitment to maintaining high standards, the Electoral Committee has also stipulated that at least 70% of all candidates for the upcoming elections must have prior experience in any sphere of government.

This resolution stems from the party’s desire for continuity and effective governance, as articulated by Motlanthe: “They must be successful and effective public representatives, members of the executive, or as officials employed in government in the last 31 years.”

In a bid to attract the best-suited talent, Motlanthe said the party has committed to casting a wide net to identify worthy candidates deployed across various governmental spheres over the years. The initiative is part of an overarching strategy committed to accountability and ethical leadership within the party.

In another pivotal move, the committee has resolved to enforce stricter measures against the funding of election campaigns through questionable means. Candidates found guilty of utilising donations for campaigning or producing any form of campaign materials—including T-shirts, banners, or pamphlets—will face disqualification from the selection process and subsequent expulsion from the ANC following internal procedures.

“To ensure that money plays no role in the candidate selection process, candidates and their supporters may not produce T-shirts, media, branding of any object, banners, pamphlets or posters.” This decisive action is part of the ANC's broader initiative to foster clean governance and reinforce party values," said Motlanthe