ANC tightens vetting of mayoral candidates [SOUND]

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the party is breaking the traditional selection of mayoral candidates by rigorously vetting and interviewing mayoral candidates ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Speaking as the ANC finalises its election manifesto, Mbalula said more than ten-thousand ward candidates are also being processed nationwide. He added the stricter selection process aims to ensure capable leaders are chosen to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery: