GQEBERHA, Eastern Cape — Andile Lungisa, a prominent African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) member, has officially resolved his exclusion from the party’s candidate list for the upcoming Nelson Mandela Bay municipal elections. The reinstatement follows a recent legal dispute and secures his position as a shortlisted mayoral candidate for the metro.
Resolving the Legal Dispute
Earlier this month, Lungisa launched an urgent court challenge against ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, demanding to be reinstated on the proportional representation (PR) candidate list. Lungisa maintained that his initial exclusion was unlawful. In response, the ANC defended the move, stating that his omission was merely an administrative error.
The matter has now been successfully resolved. According to Lungisa, the ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) has intervened to correct the issue, confirming that his name will be restored to the PR candidate list.
Reflecting on the resolution, Lungisa noted that the party’s national chairperson confirmed the decision aligns with local mandates. “The will of the people and structures of Nelson Mandela Bay [means] my name will be brought back,” Lungisa stated, emphasizing that the internal party structures have been respected.
Electoral Processes and Voting Appeal
Addressing the upcoming electoral procedures, Lungisa outlined the specific timelines and rules governing candidate lists. He explained that following the voting on November 4, the election results will be declared on November 5.
Immediately after the declaration, parties have a two-day window to supplement their lists, which serves as the first formal process. Lungisa highlighted a second procedural window that remains open before councilors take their oath of office, allowing parties to submit final adjustments. He stressed that these established processes ensure transparency and legitimacy in list management.
Looking ahead to the November 4 elections, Lungisa urged residents to vote for the ANC in Nelson Mandela Bay. He warned against the political fragmentation seen in the past, referencing the 2016 elections where the mayoral seat was captured by a different organization that subsequently collapsed in the city.
Small Business Endorsement and Local Challenges
Lungisa’s mayoral bid has also garnered significant backing from the local economy. A spokesperson for a section of the small business sector in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro officially endorsed Lungisa, citing his genuine commitment to the interests of the metro’s residents.
The business representative made it clear that this endorsement comes with expectations. “We will hold him accountable as soon as he becomes mayor and will make sure that he implements what the ANC wants,” the spokesperson said.
The business sector highlighted severe socio-economic challenges plaguing the metro, attributing them to a lack of execution by current leadership. The spokesperson pointed to rampant unemployment, particularly among the youth, alongside surging murder, rape, and gender-based violence (GBV) rates.
“Our problem is that no one is implementing what the ANC wants. Hence, we are in this mess,” the spokesperson explained, noting that the current administration has failed to push the government’s agenda. “So we said to him, we have hopes on him.”
Confidence in an Outright Majority
Bolstered by the resolution of his candidacy and the backing of local business leaders, Lungisa remains highly optimistic about the party’s electoral prospects. He expressed strong confidence that the ANC will secure an outright majority victory in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro when voters head to the polls on November 4.
