THE ANC has officially released the list of its candidates for the upcoming elections.
This came after the list was leaked on social media over the weekend.
It is the list given to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of the people who will represent the party in the National and Provincial Assembly, if it gets enough votes after the polls.
Speaking at a media briefing at the party headquarters on Monday, 11 March, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the candidates have been carefully selected through a rigorous, transparent and democratic process that reflected their commitment to organisational renewal.
He said that the governing party's focus on strengthening its internal structures, such as the Electoral Committee and the Integrity Commission, ensures that capable individuals are selected to implement its programme for a better life for all.
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"The ANC candidate selection process, which began in August 2023, was guided by a new set of rules aimed at promoting transparency, integrity, meritocracy, vibrant internal democracy, broader participation of the Alliance and the mass democratic movement, as well as a thorough evaluation of each candidate's profile," he said.
Mbalula said the party has established strict criteria to ensure the integrity and credibility of its candidates.
"Firstly, it's important that candidates do not have any pending court cases or disciplinary proceedings. This allows them to concentrate fully on their responsibilities without distractions or legal complications. In addition, candidates who have been recommended for suspension by the NEC after their cases have been finalised by the Integrity Commission are also not eligible for nomination," Mbalula explained.
He said that candidates who are already public representatives or members of government executives must undergo a satisfactory performance review. This ensures that those who are in positions of responsibility fulfil their duties effectively and serve the interests of the people, Mbalula said.
The secretary-general gave assurance that the party’s candidates represent an inter-generational mix and will drive generational change in the country.
"For the first time, Generation X from 1976 and 1980, together with the millennials, make up over 60% of the candidates on the ANC’s lists. The remainder is made up of the rest of the former generation of struggle veterans and the Ama-2000s (Gen Z)."
He said many of the pioneers of democracy who contributed to the first 30 years of democratic parliaments are retired.
"These include comrades Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Pravin Gordhan, Pam Tshwete, Amos Masondo, Yunus Karrim and John Jeffery. We thank them for their contribution to our democracy and governance," he said.
