The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday admitted that the local government election nomination process had been difficult for the party.

“The nomination process did put a strain on the unity of the ANC and its alliance partners. We have, however, through internal political dialogue, resolved all internal disputes and have reached a common ground with our alliance partners," provincial secretary Super Zuma told reporters in Durban.

“They have now rallied behind all our wards and mayoral candidates have pledged their full support.”

Cracks in the relationship between the ANC and its alliance party recently surfaced when the South African Communist Party (SACP) threatened to pull out of the election campaign because it was not happy with the nomination processes. The SACP also told the ANC that it was against a cabinet reshuffle.

In a compromise move, the party appointed SACP provincial leader Themba Mthembu as the MEC for agriculture in the province.

On Monday, Zuma said the ANC would ensure that it governed all 54 municipalities and all 870 wards in the province after the August 3 elections.

He said the new mayors would be the face of the strategic municipalities in the province.

Regional executive committees made recommendations of three names of mayoral candidates to the provincial executive committee.

"Those members of either the REC or the PEC who were being considered for deployment had to recuse themselves when the selection processes was conducted.”

He said all the names were submitted to the NEC for assessment.

Zuma said the party was satisfied with the work being done by the regions to consolidate the unity of the movement.

“We will continue to intervene in wards that are affected by protests to make sure of a free and fair election…”

Provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala said the party chose the best candidates for the province.

"The most strategic municipalities and metro are led by women. The third region, Musa Dladla, is also led by a woman. We have skills and a mixture of old and new mayors."

He said the ANC did not sleep and wake up and then make the decision of appointing mayors.

"There are many people who have spoken about the elections as though they will emerge victorious, the people of KZN know their liberators," said Zikalala.

During the media briefing the party also congratulated DJ Black Coffee, Nkosinathi Maphumulo, for winning a BET award at the weekend.

“He [Black Coffee] is shining example for the youth of South Africa,” Zuma said.

On racism, the PEC said it was deeply concerned that KZN remained in the news for racism.

He said the department of economic development would investigate the Sodwana Bay Guest House incident, where the owner Andre Slade said black people were not welcome at his guest house.

“We need urgent and harsh action to be taken against the owner,” said Zuma.

The Mayoral candidates are:

Zululand District – Innocent Sipho Nkosi

Umkhanyakude District – Solomon Mkhombo

Umzinyathi District Municipality – Lindokuhle Ngubane

uThungulu District Municipality – Nonhle Mkhulisi

iLembe District Mayor – Siduduzo Gumede

Ugu District – Tolomane Mnyayiza

uMgungundlovu District – Thobekile Mamphumulo

Uthukela District – Siphiwe Mazibuko

Amajuba District –Musa Ngubane

Harry Gwala District – Mluleki Ndobe

eThekwini Metro – Zandile Gumede

Strategic Municipalities

uMsunduzi Municipality – Themba Njilo

Newcastle Municipality – Makhosini Nkosi

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality – Nomusa Mqwebu

uMhlathuze Municipality – Mdu Mhlongo