ANC’s Rules for Ward Councillor Candidates

The African National Congress (ANC) has clarified how it chooses people who want to run for ward councillor positions in the 2026 local elections. Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula explained the party’s guidelines during a briefing after the National Executive Committee meeting.

Waiver for Those Without Matric

The ANC says that not having a Grade 12 (matric) certificate does not automatically stop someone from becoming a ward councillor candidate.

• The party’s guidelines allow candidates who lack matric to apply for a waiver from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
• The waiver request must be sent directly to the IEC, not to the ANC secretary‑general.
• The IEC reviews the application and decides whether to grant the waiver.

Mbalula stressed that the waiver is only for ward‑level candidates who have already been chosen by their communities and enjoy local support, even if they did not finish matric.

How the Waiver Works

1. Community nomination – The local ANC branch selects a candidate who has the backing of residents.
2. Waiver application – If the candidate does not have matric, they (or their branch) submit a waiver request to the IEC.
3. IEC processing – The Electoral Commission evaluates the request and makes the final decision.

This process makes sure that the party follows national election rules while still giving a chance to capable community leaders.

Preference for New Entrants

For people who are joining the ANC for the first time, the party gives priority to those who do have a Grade 12 certificate.

• New entrants with matric are seen as better prepared for the responsibilities of a ward councillor.
• Those without matric can still try, but they must go through the waiver route described above.

Stricter Rules for Mayoral Candidates

When it comes to running for mayor, the ANC sets the bar much higher.

Required Qualifications

• A postgraduate university qualification (such as an honours degree, master’s, or doctorate) is mandatory.
• Candidates without this level of education cannot be considered for a mayoral spot.

Experience Needed

• Proven experience in running a municipality or managing large, complex budgets.
• Familiarity with sophisticated economies and the challenges that come with urban governance.

Mbalula said the ANC wants mayors who have both the academic background and the practical know‑how to lead cities effectively.

ANC’s Stance on Competence

Overall, the party is placing more emphasis on competence when picking candidates for any municipal role.

• For ward councillors, community support matters most, with a safety net (the waiver) for those lacking matric.
• For mayoral posts, the ANC insists on advanced education and hands‑on municipal experience.

Mbalula assured voters that all ANC mayoral candidates meet the strict qualifications set out in the party’s guidelines.

Conclusion

The ANC’s approach balances inclusivity with standards. Ward councillor hopefuls without matric can still run if they secure a waiver from the IEC, while the party favours newcomers who have finished Grade 12. For the top job of mayor, the ANC demands a postgraduate degree and solid municipal experience. By linking community backing with clear educational and experience requirements, the party aims to elect leaders who are both trusted by residents and capable of delivering effective local government.