South Africa’s political landscape may be entering a new era of change. In a move that
has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, the ANC has opened the door for
non-members to be considered for mayoral positions ahead of the 2026 local
government elections. The party says it’s part of renewing leadership and restoring
public confidence in local government. But critics are asking whether this is genuine
political reform or a sign that the ANC is struggling to rebuild trust from within after years
of internal divisions, service delivery failures, and declining electoral support. So what
does this mean for the future of the ANC? Could this reshape candidate politics in South
Africa, or does it expose deeper cracks inside the governing party? To unpack what this
power shift could mean for South African politics, we’re joined now by political scientist
Tshepang Magabe.