The African National Congress (ANC) has announced that non-members can now nominate themselves or be nominated as mayoral candidates for the upcoming municipal elections, describing the move as part of efforts to extend the party’s appeal and tap into wider talent across South Africa.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the decision reflects commitments outlined in the party’s January 8 statement. She emphasised that it aims to ensure public representatives remain rooted in their communities while utilising available talent. Bhengu added that selected candidates would still be required to align with the ANC’s principles and values, including nonracialism and non-sexism.
“It’s a demonstration that the commitments that we have made in our January 8th statement, we are living up to them,” Bhengu stated. “This is trying to extend the reach of the ANC, ensuring that public representatives are rooted in their communities, ensuring that we utilise a lot of talent that is there in South Africa.”
The development was discussed with political analyst Professor Sethulego Matebesi of the University of the Free State. Professor Matebesi described the step as brave and innovative, noting it represents an attempt to think outside the box at a time when business as usual is insufficient for attracting potential leaders.
However, he raised several practical concerns. He questioned how the party would manage implementation given existing gatekeepers within ANC structures, where leadership positions have often gone to relatives or allies. Professor Matebesi highlighted the challenge of disciplining non-members when the party already struggles to manage its own members.
He also pointed to potential internal repercussions, suggesting the move could send a signal to longstanding members and branch levels that the party lacks trust in its “tested and tried” leaders who have come through the ranks. Professor Matebesi noted that branches, described as the lifeblood of the organisation, may not be receptive to a decision taken at national level, especially on the eve of an elective conference and amid tensions with allies such as the South African Communist Party.
On timing, Professor Matebesi expressed surprise that the announcement was made with a nomination deadline the following day, questioning how effective outreach to the public could be in such a short period. He suggested the move might be partly proactive—targeting sympathetic and capable individuals outside the party—but also cautioned it could be viewed as an admission of a leadership vacuum or governance challenges within the ANC.
Professor Matebesi acknowledged potential benefits, such as bringing vibrant community figures forward as the face of the party in municipalities, including metros. He noted that successful non-member candidates would receive ANC endorsement and support, though this would come with expectations to align with party positions, particularly in the context of coalition politics that often characterises local government.
He concluded that while the strategy might work on paper, its practical success would depend on buy-in from rank-and-file members and careful navigation of internal structures.
