Overview
- The ANC presented names of shortlisted or interviewed mayoral hopefuls at a Sandton event on Saturday and announced it will name final candidates in September.
- Secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and national chair Gwede Mantashe said the pause is meant to complete vetting, protect the campaign and reduce the risk of defections by losing factions.
- Political analysts including Professor Levy Ndou view the delay as a sign of unresolved internal processes and factional tension that could weaken the party in key metros.
- In Johannesburg the contest is still widely seen as between incumbent Dada Morero and deputy Loyiso Masuku with veteran Frank Chikane also mentioned, while rival parties have already named high-profile mayoral contenders.
- The ANC launched its 2026 local-government manifesto in Diepsloot on Sunday as a policy push to shift focus to delivery, but the candidate delay could deepen voter doubts about service provision and coalition readiness ahead of the 4 November election.