ANCYL warns ANC over youth candidate exclusion in Eastern Cape

The ANC Youth League in the Eastern Cape has rejected the outcome of the ANC’s candidate list process for the 2026 Local Government Elections, saying young people have been pushed out of meaningful positions.

In a statement on Thursday, 27 August, the ANCYL said the ANC had committed to at least 30% youth representation, but claimed many young candidates were excluded from interviews or placed too low on lists to have a realistic chance of entering council.

The league praised the Chris Hani, Alfred Nzo, Amathole, OR Tambo and Sarah Baartman regions for making efforts to include young people.

It criticised Joe Gqabi, Nelson Mandela and Dr WB Rubusana regions. The ANCYL said it was particularly concerned about Senqu Local Municipality, where it claimed there was not a single young person represented on the list.

The league is demanding that people under 35 be prioritised on ward and proportional representation lists, including in winnable positions.

“The ANC cannot demand the energy of young people during elections while denying them meaningful representation after the votes have been counted,” the ANCYL said.

It also called for cases involving young people allegedly excluded from the candidate selection process to be reviewed.

The ANCYL said it remained committed to the ANC but warned: “The old may control the lists, but the youth determine the campaign.”