The African National Congress (ANC) is finalising its list of mayoral candidates for the upcoming local government elections on November 4, with a focus on unifying party factions ahead of contentious contests.

Rev Frank Chikane has emerged as the frontrunner for Johannesburg, aiming to stabilise internal rivalries between incumbent mayor Dada Morero and deputy Loyiso Masuku.

The selection process, unusually public and lengthy, reflects the ANC's strategy to counter opposition gains in major cities like Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni.Key challenges include addressing infrastructure failures such as R4bn in electricity losses and R2bn in water leaks.

The party's decision to name candidates publicly marks a departure from past practices, driven by fears of losing control to coalitions led by the DA and ActionSA.Chikane's appointment is seen as critical to countering DA leader Helen Zille's early campaign efforts.Other metros face similar internal contests, with regional leaders vying for positions amid declining ANC support since 2016.