DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — As the KwaZulu-Natal municipal elections approach, the race to control more than 900 local wards is intensifying, prompting political parties to completely overhaul their KZN ward candidate selection processes. To secure voter support, major political formations are implementing stricter qualifications, merit-based assessments, and heightened oversight to ensure they field the most capable individuals for local government.
Ward councillors are widely regarded as the foundational pillar of local elections. They serve as the immediate point of contact between residents and municipalities, acting as the visible face of the political parties they represent. Recognizing this critical role, parties across the province have raised the bar for their aspirant candidates. While some political organizations have already concluded their selection processes, others are nearing completion, all aiming to win the hearts of a highly engaged electorate.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has adopted a strictly merit-based approach, requiring aspirant candidates to undergo rigorous interviews and competency assessments. The party is heavily emphasizing candidate accountability from the very beginning.
KZN DA Leader Sithembiso Ngema emphasized that this rigorous vetting is rooted in strict accountability. “People understand that there’s accountability,” Ngema stated. “The minute they understand that the supervision is there, that there’s somebody who’s keeping an eye on them, is the minute you will get the best result.”
Ngema noted that the DA holds its representatives to a high standard to maintain the organization’s dignity. “We are the only party that fires councillors. We don’t keep a councillor that is not working. We don’t keep the councillor that is ill-behaving,” he explained, adding that enforcing these principles and values is exactly how the party earns public respect.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) has introduced stringent educational qualification requirements and tightened its internal rules specifically to prevent the manipulation of selection processes. This strategic shift comes as the party seeks to move past historical internal backlash, violent clashes, and political killings that have previously marred its candidate selections.
KZN ANC Coordinator James Nxumalo explained that the party has deployed impartial electoral officers to run branch general meetings, replacing the traditional branch leaders who previously managed the process. “These are people who are impartial, who are not biased towards any candidate,” Nxumalo said. He noted that these independent officers ensure a bias-free environment, guaranteeing that those running the processes have no personal interest or conflict regarding the candidates.
In a broader push to rebuild community trust, several parties are expanding their nominations to include non-party members. This strategy aims to attract respected community leaders and professionals with a proven track record of public service.
Mazwi Blose of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) highlighted this inclusive strategy, explaining that local branches are empowered to identify outstanding community figures who are not currently EFF members. “If our branches within their own membership are able to say… we’ve identified a particular person who is necessarily not an EFF member but that is community-based,” Blose said. He added that if a branch recognizes an individual’s impactful community work, party leadership gives the branch the responsibility to formally invite them to stand as an EFF candidate.
This shift in candidate selection reflects a broader change in the electorate’s demands. Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, a political analyst and professor of political science and international relations at Nelson Mandela University, noted that the country has undergone a major political shift.
According to Mngomezulu, the historical track record of political parties no longer guarantees electoral success, as voters are now prioritizing the individual character of the candidates. “What people need this time around are people of integrity,” Mngomezulu asserted. He warned that parties must field trustworthy representatives who will genuinely serve the public interest, adding that failing to do so “will be tantamount to committing political suicide.”
The Electoral Commission has officially opened candidate nominations for the upcoming polls. To ensure readiness, political parties have been advised to conclude their internal nomination processes by the end of July. Meeting this deadline will allow them to seamlessly submit their final candidate lists as soon as the official election date is proclaimed.
