The African National Congress (ANC) will officially name its mayoral candidates on August 15, 2026, exactly one week before the party’s election manifesto launch in Diepsloot, Johannesburg. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed the timeline during a media briefing, setting the stage for the party’s campaign ahead of the local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026.
Centralised Selection Process
The party has moved away from historical practices where regional chairpersons often assumed mayoral positions by default. Instead, the ANC has implemented a ‘Centralised Mayoral Selection Programme’ involving national vetting and interviews to assess candidates on ethics, qualifications, and community standing.
“We’re going to announce the mayoral candidates in a week leading to the manifesto, it will happen before the 23rd, on the 15th of August,” said Fikile Mbalula during his briefing.
The nomination process for these positions began on April 1, 2026, with the public window for submissions closing on May 22, 2026. These measures form part of a broader attempt by the party to improve municipal governance standards and address public dissatisfaction with service delivery.
Context Of The 2026 Election
The upcoming local government elections represent a major test for the ANC following a period marked by coalition instability and increased competition in major metros. By announcing candidates prior to the manifesto launch on August 23, the party aims to project stability and accountability to voters across the country.
We are continuing to track the final candidate lists as they are finalised by the party’s national executive. Our reporters will provide updates on how these selections affect the political landscape in the Western Cape as more details emerge.