POLITICAL WEEK AHEAD | Parties rush to meet local election candidate deadline

The countdown to this year’s local government elections enters a critical phase this week as political parties face deadlines to finalise candidates, while parliament takes up a series of politically sensitive matters, including President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appearance before the National Assembly and a motion of no confidence against National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) will certify the final voters’ roll on Wednesday, marking a key milestone before the elections. The certified roll will be published and electronic copies provided to certified contestants.

The IEC says more than 2-million voter interactions were recorded during the latest registration period , including 1.79-million transactions during the second registration weekend and a further 210,734 since then.

Candidate nominations opened on August 7, and parties and independent candidates have until 5pm on Friday to submit their lists and nomination documents. The compressed timetable puts pressure on parties to resolve internal contests and complete their vetting processes.

The ANC ’s national executive committee will hold an extended meeting on Tuesday to finalise its candidate lists before the IEC deadline.

The governing party has already come under pressure over its handling of mayoral candidates after abandoning plans to announce its preferred candidates at the weekend. The decision was reportedly driven by concerns that unsuccessful candidates could refuse to campaign for the party or defect before the election.

ANC national chair Gwede Mantashe said the party also wanted to avoid allowing mayoral contests to overshadow its election manifesto, while some candidates had yet to complete vetting. The party has instead published the names of shortlisted candidates, with final mayoral choices expected closer to the election.

Parliament returns to a busy agenda on Monday, when the ad hoc committee investigating allegations made by Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi meets to consider its draft report. The committee’s reporting deadline was extended by the speaker to September 11, giving members additional time to complete their work.

Ramaphosa will face the National Assembly on Tuesday for questions for oral reply. Among the issues expected to come under scrutiny are the government’s efforts to restore South Africa’s credibility as a Pan-African voice amid protests against foreign nationals. The president will also face questions on reforms aimed at restoring municipal capacity and accountability, particularly as the country heads towards local government elections.

Also on Tuesday, ministers in the peace and security cluster will appear before the National Council of Provinces. The session will cover issues including reparations arising from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the justice department’s case management system, transformation of the legal sector and proclamations involving the Special Investigating Unit.

On Wednesday, MPs will consider an EFF resolution calling for a motion of no confidence in Didiza under section 52(4) of the constitution and rule 28 of the Assembly’s rules.