ANC elects candidates for by-elections

The ANC Johannesburg has elected the candidates who will represent it in the municipal elections in 130 wards, an official said.

"We will present the voters of Johannesburg with a strong team of ward and [proportional representation] candidates who are capable, dedicated and truly committed to serve the people of Johannesburg and take the transformation agenda of the ANC further" said ANC regional co-ordinator Strike Ralegoma.

The list of candidates would be submitted to the national list committee and to the national executive committee for final approval.

"The process started at branch level and included public consultation meetings in each ward, including the new wards established by the Municipal Demarcation Board in response to the growing population of the City," said Ralegoma.

He said the ANC would campaign on its track record of successful service delivery and good administration during the first decade of democratic local governance.

"With our 8000 election volunteers in Johannesburg, we will conduct a positive and constructive campaign focusing on our future agenda for Johannesburg.

"We will, however, not hesitate to expose the distortions propagated by some opposition parties."

Ralegoma said the ANC election machinery in Johannesburg was already at "an advanced stage of readiness" for the local government elections later in the year.

The date of the elections has yet to be announced.

"Johannesburg is the flagship of local government in South Africa and our success in the City will again be an important barometer of support for the ANC and its tried and tested policies," said Ralegoma.