JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — As political parties finalize preparations for the 2026 local government elections, mounting concerns have emerged over the African National Congress (ANC) waiting until the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)’s closing date to submit its candidate lists. According to political analyst Professor Sethulego Matebesi, this last-minute rush is not merely a procedural hiccup, but a symptom of deeper organizational challenges that could severely undermine voter confidence in South Africa’s municipalities.
Matebesi emphasized that a well-run organization, particularly one with a history spanning nearly a century like the ANC, should be able to navigate routine electoral procedures with ease. The delay, which mirrors similar procrastination from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and other political parties, points to internal organizational struggles. Furthermore, it highlights a broader cultural disregard for deadlines, a systemic issue Matebesi starkly described as a “cancer of Africa.”
The ongoing legal wrangling surrounding candidate submissions threatens to deepen public cynicism. Matebesi warned that such procedural chaos fails to inspire confidence and could ultimately deter citizens from reaching the ballot box. He noted that while high-profile security adjustments sometimes justify schedule changes at government events, a habitual disregard for time fosters a culture of non-compliance that younger generations are now inheriting from their predecessors.
Questioning the rationale behind the delays, Matebesi asked why parties would wait until the final day to submit candidates who have presumably already been vetted internally. He suggested the ANC may be resisting calls for Electoral Court intervention to prevent the Democratic Alliance (DA) from acting as a “spoiler,” a move that would inevitably expose the ruling party’s internal flaws. The DA has previously maintained that no technical glitches hindered their own submission process. The impending Electoral Court ruling is expected to carry significant consequences for the ANC, the individuals involved, and the broader democratic process.
Beyond procedural delays, the actual caliber of municipal candidates remains a critical issue. Matebesi pushed back against the growing trend of fielding popular media personalities or seasoned journalists as council candidates, noting that popularity does not automatically translate to effective public leadership. While professional experience is valuable, municipal governance requires navigating complex, often untold administrative processes. Unfortunately, many highly qualified and capable individuals have already sought opportunities outside of local government, leaving municipalities to grapple with a questionable caliber of leadership.
When it comes to voter expectations, integrity, ethics, and accountability are at the forefront of the public’s mind. However, Matebesi observed that political leaders often shift their stances like “rainbow colors” depending on their circumstances and surroundings. While sincere leadership, backed by provincial legislatures, can help municipalities fulfill their mandates, state entities continue to be exploited for private gain, perpetuating a “business as usual” mentality despite public outcry.
This sentiment is strongly reflected in public opinion. Recent polling indicates that 83% of respondents lack hope that political parties are fielding their best candidates, pointing to persistent systemic issues like cadre deployment. Matebesi acknowledged this profound trust deficit but urgently encouraged South Africans not to disengage from the democratic process. He emphasized that while it is easy to dismantle decades of democratic gains, reversing the damage inflicted on local government will be exceedingly difficult. He also highlighted the IEC’s ongoing efforts to bridge this trust gap through targeted voter education, urging citizens to exercise their right to vote despite the prevailing challenges.
