ANC mayoral candidates still not fully vetted weeks before elections
With less than 10 weeks until South Africans vote, the ANC has reportedly not yet fully vetted some of its mayoral candidates for fitness for office. While other major parties like the DA, ActionSA, and EFF have announced their mayoral candidates, the ANC has only released a shortlist. This delay is partly attributed to efforts to maintain party unity amidst factionalism. However, a high-placed source indicated that another reason for the delay is that not all candidates have undergone proper vetting. The source emphasized the need to ensure candidates are thoroughly checked for issues like criminal records before public announcement. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula stated that the party's campaign is not dependent on individual candidates but is driven by the ANC itself, with President Cyril Ramaphosa as its face. President Ramaphosa reportedly decided that all shortlisted candidates should campaign to prevent losing factions from sabotaging the party's efforts. This strategy also aims to protect the campaign and ensure a united front, as some who do not make the final cut might otherwise cease campaigning or defect to other parties.