JOHANNESBURG - There is nothing untoward about the African National Congress (ANC) calling on members of the public to nominate themselves as mayors on its ticket.
According to ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu, some South Africans have approached the party, saying they believe they are capable of serving as mayors in their municipalities.
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The party is encouraging citizens to put their money where their mouths are and raise their hands, in a bid to rebuild public trust in local government.
Local government elections are set to take place on 4 November, with South Africans expected to elect suitable leaders to represent them.
"Restoring public trust requires that we have great leadership," says Bhengu.
"We need leadership that is skilled, competent, which can be drawn from within the ANC, but can also be drawn from society at large," she says.
Bhengu adds that the call is inspired by the Freedom Charter.
"When we say the people shall govern, it mustn't be just a slogan, it must be something that is lived," she adds.
She says the initiative forms part of the party’s broader renewal process.