Despite coalition talks hanging in the balance, the African National Congress (ANC) has moved to nominate mayoral candidates across the country, with the party planning on conducting interviews on Saturday. 

Regional leaders of the ANC were asked to forward three names to be considered for the mayoral chain in municipalities across the country. The nominees would then face an interview panel of ANC national executive committee (NEC) members. 

Party insiders said ANC processes could not be held back because the party did not have clarity on talks related to the 66 hung councils. 

The ANC had centralised coalition negotiations, but had failed to make headway as it appeared to be pushed into a corner by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) after the Democratic Alliance (DA), ActionSA and GOOD all rejected talks with the it. 

The ANC’s top six, and NEC members Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Phumulo Masualle, will conduct the interviews for the country's metros. 

Meanwhile, other NEC members will be sent to the nine provinces to conduct interviews there as part of the ANC’s stated bid to appoint competent leaders after years of failure. 

Party insiders said that, even if the ANC failed in coalition talks, they wanted "the best to lead the ANC as opposition". 

The ANC's regional leadership in Johannesburg nominated current Mayor Mpho Moerane, Eunice Mgcina and ANC regional secretary Dada Morero to be considered for the top job. 

In Tshwane, the ANC nominated Frans Boshielo, Rebecca Morudi and Simphiwe Mbatha.

In Ekurhuleni, current Mayor Mzwandile Masina was nominated alongside ANC Women’s League chairperson Nomadlozi Nkosi and ANC deputy chairperson in the region Jongizizwe Dlabathi. 

As part of the interview process, prospective mayors will have to answer questions on governance and oversight; financial management and budgeting; community engagement and citizen responsiveness; service delivery and performance management; and economic development and resource planning.

The ANC has also set different criteria for metro mayors. They will have to demonstrate previous experience in the public or private sector, where they led a team of more than 100 employees. 

District and local mayors will need to have led a team of at least 50 people.

The ANC noted that prospective mayors would need to prove a demonstrable record of discipline, with no criminal records or evidence of maladministration.

They must also prove to understand local government issues like water, sanitation, electricity and refuse removal.