In a significant shift, African National Congress (ANC) leader Naledi Pandor has directly warned party councillors that their political positions are not guaranteed beyond the 2026 local government elections.
The announcement signals a major change in the party’s approach to candidate selection, moving from a system of automatic reappointment to one based on merit and strict new criteria. The ANC has begun implementing new regulations that require all councillor candidates to have at least a matric certificate (or its equivalent) and strictly prohibits anyone with a criminal record from standing for office.
These measures are presented as a concerted effort to restore public trust and address longstanding concerns over poor service delivery and corruption that have damaged the party’s reputation. The move reflects the ANC’s response to a changing political landscape, where it faces unprecedented competition from opposition parties.
The party has suffered electoral declines in recent municipal votes, losing its majority in several key municipalities and being forced into coalition governments. By introducing higher standards, the ANC leadership hopes to present a slate of more qualified and ethically sound candidates to win back disillusioned voters.
Pandor’s warning makes it clear that loyalty to the party will no longer be enough. Existing councillors must now meet these new requirements or risk being replaced as the party pivots to a performance-based model to secure its future.
