FINALLY: ANC announces its picks for Mayor in seven metros

The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has finally unveiled its mayoral candidates for seven metros. The NEC, the party’s highest decision-making body met for a special session on Sunday, 21 November 2021, to consider nominations for mayoral candidates in metro, local and district municipalities.

Unlike most political parties, the ANC did not disclose its preferred picks for mayoral seats ahead of the local government elections.

Who has the ANC chosen for mayor?

Mpho Moerane will seek his own term as Johannesburg mayor after being elected briefly to complete the term of the late Geoff Makhubo. Frans Boshielo has been picked to stand as the party’s Tshwane mayoral candidate, while Mzwandile Masina aims for another term as Ekhurhuleni mayor.

Meanwhile in Nelson Mandela Bay – Eugene Johnson wants to wear the mayoral chain, Xola Phakati will contest for the Buffalo City mayoral position and Mxolisi Kaunda seeks to hold onto his mayoral role in Ethekwini. Mxolisi siyonzana will challenge for the position of mayor in Mangaung.

The ANC NEC says they adopted comprehensive criteria for mayors, speakers and other political office-bearers aimed at ensuring that leaders who are capable, committed and experienced are placed in these crucial positions.

“These criteria include the candidates understanding of municipal finances, administrative capability, the regulatory environment of local government, ability to unite, steer and inspire the leadership of the municipality, and willingness to place themselves at the service of communities,” said deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte.

The ANC says close to 600 mayoral candidates for 206 metro, local and district councils were subjected to rigorous interviews by 26 interview panels.

“Above all, the ANC expects our deployees to be leaders in good standing: honest, people with integrity and high ethical standards; no criminal record; no pending corruption charges; and they must be rooted and grounded in the community where they reside”

ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte