ANC’s plan of multiple mayoral candidates shows divisions: Analyst

Political analyst Professor Sethulego Matebesi says the African National Congress (ANC)’s move to announce multiple mayoral candidates for each municipality show the internal divisions the party is dealing with, particularly as other political parties are putting one candidate per municipality.

In the Free State, eight names have been advanced in Mangaung, including former Executive Mayor Thabo Manyoni, incumbent Mayor Gregory Nthatisi and his Deputy, Lulama Titi-Odili.

In Matjhabeng, seven names have been put forward, including current mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha.

The party has also announced five possible candidates in the troubled Maluti-A-Phofung, including incumbent Tumelo Thebe, ahead of the November local government elections.

Matebesi says the move has raised some eyebrows.

“But if you look at what has been an elephant in the room for the African National Congress has always been its internal fights. These internal fights and I strongly believe this strategy by the African National Congress not only in the Free State but nationally it’s to manage these internal fights. Within the party we can blame African National Congress whether that is going to work, because one way or the other. We have to make a pronouncement on their actual candidates. I think perhaps they were trying to manage the internal divisions within the organization.”

On Sunday, the party launched its 2026 LGE manifesto.