‘There can’t be elections without the ANC’
Mixed feelings over failure to field candidates
Some residents where the ANC could not register its candidates for the municipal elections expressed mixed views on the gaffe with others describing it as “good riddance”.
In Gauteng, the party reportedly did not register candidates in 43 wards, including in Mapetla in Soweto, Lenasia, and Tshepisong on the West Rand. It also could not register candidates in Tshwane and Merafong after what it said were “technical problems” in the final hours before the deadline.
ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte said last week that voters in about 30 municipalities will not be able to vote for an ANC candidate, unless the system was reopened and hopes the electoral court will find in its favour for the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) to reopen the candidate list process.
Tshepisong resident in ward 28, Thabo Mtshali, said the failure by the ANC to register its candidates on time was welcome. Mtshali said for more than 20 years ANC councillors had failed to develop the township and that projects were marred by corruption.
Another resident, Lerato Dipudi, said not having ANC candidates made no difference to her. “I do not care whether they make it to a ballot paper or not,” Dipudi said.
But Simphiwe Khambule was disturbed when he learnt an ANC candidate may not be on the ballot paper. “What will I be voting for? They must make a plan. There can’t be elections without the ANC. I do not see myself voting for another party. If the ANC is not there, I will just sit at home.”
Simphiwe Mbonde said the problem was an indicator that there is a crisis at national level for the party.
Convener of the local ANC branch task team Zama Nqayi said the structure submitted all its four candidates by August 10. “All we are waiting for is the response... to inform us who succeeded and who did not make it and the reason.”
In ward 127, a resident who only gave his name as Alex, said he loved the ANC but it has failed him and not seeing it on the ballot paper would not mean much. “I have no choice, I’ll have to look for another party to vote for. Since 1994 we’ve received empty promises. We are tired now. The ANC has put us on a muddy path.”
In ward 120 in Lawley, south of Johannesburg, some residents said it would not matter to them if the ANC had a candidate in the area. A local ANC leader who asked not to be named said their nomination process for candidates was marred by irregularities that resulted in the lodging of a dispute that is yet to be resolved.
Thembinkosi Ngwenya, a resident, said it did not matter who would be at the helm, as long as they received services.
Anna Tsotetsi, another resident, said the ANC’s internal squabbles do not affect them because they have been struggling while the ANC is in power. “In the past we threatened that we would not vote if they did not resolve our problems [with services] but they have not done much. Maybe this is a sign that we don’t need the ANC because they have not been doing anything for us.”
In ward 16, Mapetla, Soweto, resident Ntswaki Phiri said: “If there is no ANC candidate, that’s fine, I will vote for DA or EFF or even an independent candidate, as long as they will fight for us to have a constant supply of electricity.”
But another resident Teboho Mahlobogwane said: “The ANC has problems, we can all agree on that. But you don’t leave your wife because she doesn’t know how to cook, you help her and overcome that problem. I will only vote for the ANC But if there is no candidate then I will not vote.”