The African National Congress (ANC) has reportedly finalised its Proportional Representation (PR) candidate list, naming those entrusted with leading the party's campaign to retain control of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November.

The list, which Journal News has seen and has been widely anticipated amid intense internal lobbying and branch consultations, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's election campaign in Mangaung.

It also provides an indication of the party's strategic choices as it seeks to strengthen its position in the Free State’s only metropolitan municipalities following months of internal contestation.

According to a source within the ANC's regional leadership, a total of 89 Proportional Representation (PR) candidates were nominated from across the Mangaung Metro's 51 wards.

The source said only 11 candidates are expected to secure seats in the Mangaung Metro Council, based on the number of PR seats currently held by the ANC.

"Although the metro is made up of 51 wards, some branches could not conclude their nomination processes on time. As things stand, we have 89 PR candidates on the list, but only 11 of them will make it to council if the ANC retains its current level of representation," the source said.

According to the list seen by Journal News, incumbent Executive Mayor Gregory Nthatisi, Deputy Mayor Lulama Titi-Odili and Speaker Lawrence Mathae are among the top 11 candidates expected to spearhead the party's campaign in the metro.

The list also indicates that Vusi Soqaga, Manthuse Letawana and Nthabiseng Jonas are in line to return to the council, while Sibongi Tsoaledi, Thoko Mokoenanyana, Motshewa Tladi, Ncamile Nxangisa and Charles Mgwedleka are expected to replace Chief Whip Vumile Nikelo, Logan Kruger, Theodarah Mosala, Alfred Qai and Pani Twala.

However, ANC Mangaung regional spokesperson Ncamile Nxangisa dismissed the circulating list, insisting that the party's internal processes have not yet been concluded.

"Nothing is legitimate about that list doing the rounds. I can tell you now that the organisational processes are still ongoing and nothing has been finalised. This is the work of people with an interest in the outcome of the process because the nomination process was open to the public," Nxangisa said.

Journal News previously reported that the race to become the ANC's mayoral candidate for Mangaung had narrowed to four leading contenders, with Nthatisi widely tipped to retain the mayoral position following strong backing from senior national leaders. Regional Chairperson and Mangaung Speaker Lawrence Mathae, together with Deputy Mayor Lulama Titi-Odili, are also understood to be among those expected to retain prominent leadership roles should the ANC retain control of the metro.