Controversy and frustration is growing over some of the party’s mayoral choices in the Free State. ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane told supporters during the party’s manifesto launch at Grassland in Bloemfontein on Sunday (30/8) that candidate selection had largely been informed by community consultations.

Mokonyane, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and regional leaders earlier led door-to-door campaigns in areas including Ward 8. Mokonyane said candidates had undergone a rigorous interview process, including vetting and verification, as part of the ANC’s renewal programme.

Questions have, however, been raised about some of those named as potential mayors. Matjhabeng’s current mayor, Thanduxolo Khalipha, is among seven candidates alongside Dikeledi Rosemary Direko, Sipho David Manase, Daniel Themba Marothodi, Nyameko Erick Mtebeko, Mpolaile Lydia Radebe and Victoria van Rooyen.

Khalipha’s inclusion has attracted criticism against the backdrop of Matjhabeng’s continuing financial and service delivery difficulties. Some residents have also questioned his selection and accused the ANC of disregarding its own rules by allowing him to stand as a mayoral candidate.

Mokonyane said successful candidates would be expected to reconnect with communities within their first 30 days in office and establish support structures for ward councillors and ward committees. They would also have to assess existing integrated development plans and identify priorities aligned with the ANC manifesto.

“The mayor will be expected to interact in the 30 days with civil society to say, ‘I’m here.’ Reality is, we have an IDP that is still operational,” she said. Mayors would have to identify projects that could be implemented quickly and ensure communities saw tangible progress within their first 100 days.

Mangaung mayor Gregory Nthatisi is among eight mayoral candidates announced for the metro. The others are Thabo Manyoni, Bongani Lawrence Mathae, Theodorah Mosala-Leeuw, Lulama Otidi-titi, Malebo Sekhopi, Vusimozi Simon Sogaqa and Motshewa Martha Tladi.

In Maluti-A-Phofung, Malekula Melato was named alongside Ntombikayise Mofutsanyana-Mbuli, Edwin Pitsi Noe and Tumelo Thebe. The announcements come as residents in several municipalities continue to complain about water shortages, deteriorating infrastructure and broader failures in local governance.

Mokonyane argued protests over ANC candidate selections showed the extent to which communities expected to influence the party’s decisions. She said the ANC had guidelines and internal processes and that an outcome which disappointed a particular group did not necessarily mean its concerns had been ignored.

“Going into the streets and protesting, having not presented the case adequately, and where a case has been resolved possibly not in your favour, does not mean you were not listened to. It means the decision arrived at is not the one that you want.”

She warned disgruntled party members against encouraging communities to oppose candidates after the ANC had completed its internal processes. Those who had unsuccessfully sought nomination should instead respect the organisation’s decision and discourage further protests.

‘Only one person could ultimately occupy a particular post’

Candidate selection should not be regarded as a competition between ANC members, Mokonyane said. Thousands of members could qualify for leadership positions, but only one person could ultimately occupy a particular post.

She cautioned unsuccessful candidates that their conduct after the selection process could affect their prospects in the party. How members responded after losing out could influence whether they were considered for future leadership opportunities.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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