Overview
- The ANC discovered after the 28 August nomination deadline that portions of its candidate lists had not been formally submitted to the IEC and says an online-system fault prevented timely filing.
- The Independent Electoral Commission confirmed its system shows 2,274 nominees from 45 parties whose details were captured but not submitted and has said it will not accept late lists.
- The ANC filed papers in the Electoral Court and held a media briefing on 8 September to seek restoration of omitted names and to confirm its readiness to contest the 4 November local elections.
- Reports name several omitted ANC figures, including Frank Chikane, Nocawe Mafu and Andile Lungisa, and say the omissions affect councillor candidates in six municipalities in KwaZulu‑Natal, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.
- The episode has put pressure on ANC secretary‑general Fikile Mbalula and could change local representation depending on the Electoral Court ruling or any negotiated outcome through the Political Party Liaison Committee.