The race to become the African National Congress (ANC) mayoral candidate for Mangaung Metro Municipality has narrowed to four leading contenders, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle ahead of the party's candidate selection announcement later this month.
The shortlist, which includes experienced party leaders and regional office bearers, has intensified political interest as ANC structures weigh who is best positioned to lead the metro into the 2026 local government elections.
However, with the ANC expected to announce its successful mayoral candidate on 26 July 2026, the party appears poised to retain Mangaung's current municipal leadership.
According to reliable sources within ANC provincial structures, the incumbent Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi has secured strong backing from national office bearers, despite reportedly lacking sufficient support from some branch structures.
Last week, Nthatisi was among seven candidates contesting for the position. Former ANC Free State Deputy Chairperson and former Mangaung Executive Mayor Thabo Manyoni, as well as former Free State Finance MEC Gadija Brown, are understood to have fallen out of contention, according to sources. Also failing to make the shortlist was Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Integrated Development Plan and Performance, Theodorah (Theo) Mosala, who is reportedly failed to secure a nomination from her own branch.
"I can confirm that the ANC's top seven leaders have thrown their weight behind Comrade Nthatisi for re-election as Executive Mayor. Furthermore, other key leaders, including current ANC Regional Chairperson and Mangaung Speaker Lawrence Mathae, as well as Deputy Mayor Lulama Titi Odili, are also expected to retain their positions," one source said.
Another ANC branch chairperson in the region, who requested anonymity, confirmed to Journal News that the party had resolved to retain the current leadership in the metro.
"Yes, it is true that the Mangaung leadership will be retained. However, this follows the party's call for unity, with leaders agreeing to smoke the peace pipe and shift their focus to the upcoming local government elections. This is not about who supports whom, but about ensuring an overwhelming ANC victory in November," the source said.
It remains unclear how ANC Mangaung Regional Deputy Chairperson Vusi Soqaga will be accommodated under the new arrangement, given his ambition to become mayor. Soqaga is also expected to challenge Regional Chairperson Lawrence Mathae for the ANC Mangaung regional chairmanship.
