In a significant development ahead of the municipal elections, the African National Congress (ANC) has announced that it will open nominations for metro mayoral candidates next week. The final list of candidates is set to be unveiled by the end of May, according to Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. Mbalula made this announcement on the sidelines of the Solomon Mahlangu commemoration in Mamelodi.
The party is also poised to decide on its relationship with the South African Communist Party (SACP) this week, which will be contesting the upcoming local government elections alongside the ANC. Mbalula revealed that party officials will interview nominees for mayoral positions to evaluate their suitability for the roles. “We’re looking at launching our campaign around June/July, formally. We’re now in the foundations phase wherein we’re preparing ourselves, our structures, and mapping our strategy in terms of the election campaign, “he stated.
However, Mbalula emphasized that this week will be crucial for the ANC as it will determine its future with the SACP. “This week, one important thing is going to happen in the life of the ANC. For the first time, we’re going to discuss the implications of the party’s decision and how that decision on practical terms is going to find expression in the ANC, “he.
The National Working Committee (NWC) has finalized a document on this matter, and a special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will be held to finalize the discussion. Following this, the ANC will brief its allies about the party’s position.
In a separate development, the SACP utilized the commemoration to criticize the ANC for entering into a Government of National Unity with parties it describes as class enemies.
Source: enca
