The ANC Veterans’ League (ANCVL) has outlined strict criteria for mayoral candidates while simultaneously demanding stronger enforcement against undocumented migration and the employers who benefit from it, according to statements by league president Snuki Zikalala.
Zikalala confirmed that for the first time, the Veterans League holds the authority to recommend mayoral candidates based on merit rather than party affiliation alone. He emphasized that prospective candidates must demonstrate “unquestionable integrity,” proven leadership capacity, and the financial acumen to manage municipal budgets exceeding 180 billion rands. The selection process welcomes skilled individuals from all demographic backgrounds—Black, white, coloured, and Indian—provided they pass rigorous vetting.
“Candidates need not currently be ANC members,” Zikalala explained, “but immediately upon selection, they must undergo the African National Congress foundation course to understand its values, principles, and objectives.” The vetting process includes authenticated police clearance certificates and comprehensive lifestyle audits to ensure candidates’ assets align with their declared earnings. “Those who have skeletons in their closets must not even think of applying,” he added.
On immigration, Zikalala called for undocumented foreign nationals to either regularize their status through Home Affairs or depart South Africa. He stressed that employers who hire undocumented workers for cheap labor—often denying them basic rights, subjecting them to excessive hours, and excluding them from workmen’s compensation—must face legal consequences. He urged Department of Labour inspectors to act swiftly against companies found employing undocumented migrants.
“South Africans are not xenophobic,” Zikalala stated. “However, illegal immigrants in the country are undesirable because they bring about instability in communities.” He noted that many undocumented migrants entered primarily for economic reasons and should be required to provide biometric data, documentation, and proof of clean criminal records. He drew a comparison to visa requirements South Africans encounter when traveling to Botswana, Zimbabwe, or Zambia, where permits must be renewed after 30 days.
Addressing recent diplomatic developments, Zikalala referenced the Ghanaian government’s repatriation of citizens from South Africa. He noted that authorities initially stated all 300 repatriated individuals were legally documented, though subsequent reports indicated some lacked documentation entirely. He maintained that while legal immigrants are welcome, undocumented individuals must either register or depart, with their embassies assisting in the process.
Zikalala dismissed concerns that Ghanaian citizens face imminent danger in South Africa, reiterating that only law enforcement agencies hold authority to arrest or evict individuals. He referenced recent security cluster minister meetings that warned civilians attempting to enforce immigration measures would themselves face legal action.
Turning to internal party discipline, Zikalala confirmed that five ANC members—including two former ministers—will face disciplinary proceedings following adverse findings by the party’s integrity commission. He stated that the National Executive Committee (NEC) unanimously supported the commission’s outcomes, with members calling for criminal charges and requiring the individuals to step aside from all ANC activities pending resolution.
“The NEC is tired of defending wrongdoers,” Zikalala said. “The integrity and dignity of this organization is sacrosanct. We are going for elections now. We want to bring back the integrity and dignity of this organization.”
Zikalala also announced a new structural requirement: all regional secretaries must serve as full-time ANC employees, prohibiting simultaneous employment with municipal councils. This measure aims to ensure dedicated focus on branch development, political education, and campaign coordination.
Regarding leadership accountability within ANC substructures, Zikalala affirmed that NEC resolutions are binding and cannot be overridden. He noted that while the Women’s League leadership suggested a leave of absence for its president amid disciplinary processes, the secretary general holds the authority to implement NEC decisions, including directives for officials to resign from parliamentary and league positions pending outcomes.
Zikalala concluded that the path forward requires both external compliance with immigration law and internal adherence to ethical standards, positioning the ANC to present credible, skilled leadership in upcoming local government elections.