South African’s National Liberation Movement

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Mayoral Candidates

ANC PUBLIC NOMINATION PORTAL

  • 14 May 2026

2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS: MAYORAL CANDIDATE NOMINATIONS

The African National Congress invites members of the public, civic and faith formations, business chambers, traditional leaders, intellectuals, professionals, community organisations and ordinary citizens of the Republic of South Africa to submit nominations for consideration by the National Officials of the African National Congress for appointment as Mayoral Candidates in the 2026 Local Government Elections.

This process forms part of the ANC’s Centralised Mayoral Selection Programme and applies to all metropolitan municipalities and designated strategic secondary cities across South Africa.

Purpose of This Process

The National Executive Committee of the ANC has vested in the National Officials the responsibility and authority to appoint Mayoral Candidates for metropolitan municipalities and other strategic municipalities.

In addition to nominations received from ANC structures, Leagues and Alliance partners, the ANC has resolved to widen participation by introducing a structured public and self-nomination process. This process allows broader society to identify capable, ethical and developmental leaders for local government.

Who May Submit a Nomination

Nominations may be submitted by:

  • Any South African citizen above the age of 18 years
  • Civic, faith-based, sectoral or community organisations
  • Business chambers and industry bodies
  • Traditional leaders and cultural organisations
  • ANC members in good standing
  • Individuals wishing to self-nominate
  • Individuals nominating a third party

The nomination process is open and unrestricted. The National Officials retain full discretion regarding the consideration, shortlisting and final selection of candidates.

Municipalities Covered

This process applies to:

• The eight metropolitan municipalities of South Africa:
  • City of Johannesburg
  • City of Tshwane
  • Ekurhuleni
  • eThekwini
  • City of Cape Town
  • Nelson Mandela Bay
  • Buffalo City
  • Mangaung
• Twenty-eight secondary cities and strategic municipalities listed in the Annexure and nomination portal.

How to Submit a Nomination

All nominations must be submitted online through the official ANC Public Nomination Portal:

ANC Public Nomination Portal

The portal will be open from:

09h00 on Friday, 15 May 2026
to
23h59 on Friday, 22 May 2026

Late submissions will not be considered.

Information Required

The online nomination form will require:

  • Full name and contact details of the nominee
  • Municipality for which the nomination is made
  • A written motivation and vision statement for the municipality
  • Signed consent for vetting and verification processes

ANC membership is not a requirement for nomination. Non-members who proceed through the process and are ultimately selected will be invited to apply for ANC membership and take the prescribed declaration.

Selection Process

Following the closure of nominations, the National Officials will undertake a structured selection process which includes:

  • Longlisting of candidates
  • Vetting and verification
  • Structured interviews
  • Assessment of leadership, governance and ethical suitability
  • Final Mayoral Candidates are expected to be announced by 26 June 2026.

Minimum Requirements for Consideration

Candidates should generally meet the following requirements:

  • A tertiary qualification or equivalent at NQF Level 7
  • At least five years’ experience in local government, public institutions, governance, or executive leadership
  • Experience in strategic planning, financial management, performance management and labour relations
  • A demonstrable record of ethical conduct, discipline and public accountability

Attributes Expected of Candidates

The ANC seeks candidates who demonstrate:

  • Proven political and leadership experience
  • Strategic and developmental management capability
  • Understanding of local government service delivery
  • Commitment to inclusive development and community advancement
  • Knowledge of local economic development and municipal finance
  • Understanding of the legal framework governing municipalities
  • Integrity, ethical leadership and public accountability
  • Ability to unite communities and lead diverse teams


Disqualifying Conditions

A nomination may not be considered where a candidate:

• Has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty within the last ten years
• Is currently insolvent or sequestrated
• Is disqualified from holding public office under any applicable legislation
• Is subject to an active ANC Step-Aside process
• Fails to disclose material information
• Refuses to consent to vetting processes

Protection of Personal Information

All personal information submitted through this process will be processed in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 4 of 2013 (POPIA).

Information is administered by the Secretariat of the Centralised Mayoral Selection Programme.

For POPIA-related queries:

Data relating to unsuccessful nominees will be retained for thirty-six months and thereafter securely destroyed.