JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) was expected to release its mayoral candidates for municipalities and metros ahead of the Local Government Elections.
However, the party has since made an about-turn and postponed the announcement process.
NEC member Mzwandile Masina says there is no crisis and that this was a firm decision by the ANC.
According to Masina, the party decided to consult the public on the people being considered for the positions.
"We are a unitary party, not a party of individuals," says Masina.
"The ANC will pick the right people," he adds.
He says what has been important for the party so far has been to launch its manifesto and be clear about its promises.
"The nomination of councillors and PR councillors is a public process," says Masina.
Of the nominations received, Masina says it was important for the party to assess everyone’s qualifications, conduct interviews and subject the candidates to a public process.
He says the lengthy selection process is intended to show voters that the ANC takes them seriously.
"The danger is you can't go ahead with an individual only to find the public might not be aware who those people are," he says.
The ANC launched its manifesto in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, on Sunday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the ANC will address lessons learnt and come up with better solutions.