Durban - The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday boasted about fielding “some of the best comrades” as its mayoral candidates in 15 metro, aspirant metro and district municipalities in the province.
“The ANC is satisfied and confident that these mayoral candidates presented consist of some of the best comrades among our ranks to advance our programmes of radical socio-economic transformation and implement our local government manifesto,” provincial secretary, Super Zuma, said.
He made the comments when the mayoral candidates were announced at a press conference in Durban.
The candidates boasted impressive backgrounds with several having amassed local government experience as executive committee members, mayors and deputy mayors, with none being an MPL.
However, a defining feature among the candidates is that some are in the ANC’s provincial leadership, while others are mainly regional leaders.
While the appointment of mayors did not have gender balance, the ANC said that would be catered for in the composition of executive committees of councils. Those mayors who were not returning were set to be redeployed elsewhere.
ANC provincial chairman, Sihle Zikalala, said the ruling party has been serious in pulling and appointing mayors.
“We ensured we came with the best of the best. We ensured we embraced the principle of unity. We ensured we embraced continuity and ensure we bring skill and experience in this team,” Zikalala said.
“We have a mixture of those who have been there in local government and… others who are new, including comrades who bring fresh ideas,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by ANC treasurer and Cogta MEC, Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
Zikalala also said those not nominated were neither neglected nor deserted.
“There are many other responsibilities that are yet to come,” Zikalala said.