ANC leaders sound alarm over unqualified councillors ahead of 2026 elections

ANC leaders are raising red flags over the calibre of the party’s local government representatives, warning that political loyalty must no longer trump competence in the selection of councillors and mayors.

Regional Secretary of the ANC in Ekurhuleni, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, has called for an overhaul in how the party selects its public representatives. He said the ANC can no longer afford to deploy individuals without basic educational qualifications and technical skills, particularly with the 2026 local government elections on the horizon.

“The organisation can no longer afford to set low and compromised standards in choosing its local government representatives. The situation is dire,” said Dlabathi on Friday.

He insisted that a matric certificate must be the minimum requirement, with no exceptions, and called for demonstrable skills in communication, report writing, digital literacy, and administration. He added that post-matric qualifications and professional expertise in fields like engineering, finance, sanitation, and public health should become strong considerations when candidates are assessed.

“Given that the doors of learning have been opened, there is no justification for lower qualification and skills requirements,” he said.

Dlabathi’s comments echo those made recently by ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, who expressed deep frustration about the lack of capacity among ANC councillors. Speaking at a party meeting earlier this month, Mantashe said many ANC representatives lacked the basic understanding needed to run municipalities effectively.

“We have deployed people who do not understand the policies of government. They do not understand municipal systems or financial management,” Mantashe said. “Some councillors cannot even read reports, but we expect them to hold the executive accountable. It is a disaster.”

The warnings from both Dlabathi and Mantashe come amid intensified political competition, especially in Gauteng. ActionSA has announced TV personality Xolani Khumalo as its mayoral candidate in Ekurhuleni. The Democratic Alliance has put forward Helen Zille for Johannesburg, while the Patriotic Alliance has named Kenny Kunene. The ANC has yet to announce its candidates.

The upcoming municipal elections will be the first to take place under the new Government of National Unity framework, a power-sharing arrangement forged after the 2024 national elections. This coalition environment has shifted political dynamics and increased pressure on the ANC to field competent and credible candidates in order to remain relevant and retain influence at local level.

Dlabathi also said that the ANC must block individuals with criminal convictions from becoming councillors, excluding those with political offences prior to 1994. He further proposed that only members with at least five years in the ANC and a strong political grounding be considered.

“The electorate is more informed than ever. They can see who is capable and who is not,” he said. “The days of deploying people as a favour are over if we want to save this movement.”