ANC to now announce its mayoral candidates in September

The African National Congress (ANC) says it will only announce its mayoral candidates in September.

This despite its earlier advisory that it will be unveiling the names of those who will represent the party in the eight metros and 44 district municipalities at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday.

BREAKING NEWS | African National Congress (ANC) National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe says the party is no longer going to announce the mayoral candidates for eight metros and 44 district municipalities at the Sandton International Convention Centre today. However only mayoral… pic.twitter.com/iZjNhAjAc0

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 22, 2026

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, party Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said they will only announce those who were interviewed and are potential or possible candidates.

Mbalula has also denied suggestions that the delay of the announcement of the party’s mayoral candidates will cause chaos after the elections.

He confirmed that the launch of the ANC’s election manifesto will go ahead tomorrow in Diepsloot west of Johannesburg.

VIDEO | ANC delays unveiling of mayoral candidates: