Mahikeng. The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West has told party structures and alliance partners to prepare for full-scale campaigning after completing the local government candidate selection process, the party’s provincial secretary said in a circular to members.
All hands on deck, says provincial secretary
In the circular released last week, Louis Diremelo, ANC North West provincial secretary, said the candidate selection had reached its "logical conclusion" after progressing through branch general meetings (BGMs), community consultations and final BGMs. He urged members to consolidate behind the approved lists and to begin preparations to register candidates with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
"It was not an easy journey, as many comrades availed themselves to serve our people, leading to highly contested processes," Diremelo said.
The provincial office described the competition for spots on the lists as intense, reflecting high levels of interest among members who want to represent the party in the 2026 municipal elections. The ANC said the process benefited from active participation by communities and supporters, which it argued helped ensure candidates were "rooted in the people’s voice."
Internal structures and dispute resolution
The ANC North West highlighted the role of internal structures in overseeing the selection. Regional Vetting and Interview Teams were credited with guiding and streamlining lists, while the Provincial List Committee (PLC) finalised the candidates. Disputes that arose were handled through internal mechanisms, with the Provincial Dispute Resolution Committee (PDRC) said to have "successfully managed and resolved disputes, ensuring fairness and unity."
The circular also noted that oversight was provided by higher party bodies, including the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) extended meeting and the National Executive Committee (NEC). The message to members was clear: with candidate lists settled, the emphasis must shift to voter registration, campaign planning and mobilisation.
What this means locally
For voters and local officials across the North West, the conclusion of the lists signals the start of the formal campaign period. Councillors, ward structures and alliance partners will be expected to translate party decisions into voter outreach, ward-level campaigning and logistical preparations for election day.
- Candidate registration: The ANC will register its candidates with the IEC ahead of the municipal election timelines.
- Campaign mobilisation: Branches and alliance partners are to move into campaign mode as directed by the provincial office.
- Internal unity: The ANC emphasised dispute resolution and internal oversight to present a united front.
Balance between contestation and cohesion
The acknowledgement that the selection process was "highly contested" is significant. Contested lists are common in party democracies, but how disputes are handled can determine effectiveness on the campaign trail. The ANC's message that disputes were resolved internally aims to reassure members and voters that the party is cohesive ahead of the polls.
Though the circular did not publish the full candidate lists or detail any specific disputes, it set a tone of discipline and readiness. For communities dependent on municipal service delivery, the coming campaign period will be an opportunity to test how well parties translate promises into clear, ward-level plans.
Practical implications for residents
Residents should expect an increase in public meetings, door-to-door canvassing and announcements about ward candidates in the coming weeks. Anyone unsure of their voting status or eligibility is advised to check their registration with the IEC ahead of the official voter registration and voting periods.
| Action | Who | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Register candidates | ANC provincial office | Satisfies IEC requirements for election participation |
| Ward mobilisation | Branches & alliance partners | Translates lists into local support and turnout |
| Dispute resolution | PDRC & PEC oversight | Maintains internal cohesion during campaign |
The provincial secretary's call mirrors a national trend as parties across South Africa shift from internal candidate tussles to active election campaigns. For the North West, which faces enduring service-delivery pressures in many municipalities, the effectiveness of campaign mobilisation will be measured not only by votes but by the clarity of delivery plans presented to voters.
As the ANC moves into campaign mode, residents and civil society groups will be watching how the party’s candidates and structures address pressing local concerns such as water, electricity, sanitation and job creation in the months ahead.
