ANC stands behind Didiza

At least 5 people have died during violent protests in the city following the announcement that Thoko Didiza would be the party's mayoral candidate. 

Thoko Didiza, who is the ANC mayoral candidate for Tshwane said she was ready to tackle her new challenge.

Didiza said she didn't feel like a foreigner in Tshwane, as she is a resident of the capital city. 

She told the media that she was happy to be able to serve at a local level again. 

Commenting on this week's violence, Didiza described it as sad and said destruction of property was no way to resolve conflicts. 

Didiza said she would work closely with the ANC leadership in the region.

"I also want to thank the people of Tshwane, who - when I came to that city - they embraced me as their child. I've never and I still do not feel foreign in Tshwane, even with the latest incidents, which I don't think reflect the feelings of the community of Tshwane and I therefore don't feel in any way alienated. I feel part of that community," she said.

The ANC has also called on outgoing Mayor Kgosiensto Ramogokpa and Deputy Regional Chairperson Mapiti Matsena to unite behind Didiza.