2026 Local Government Elections: Who is running for mayor in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and other metros?

The 2026 local government elections in South Africa are fast approaching, with political parties and independent candidates gearing up for what promises to be a highly contested battle for control of the country’s major metropolitan municipalities.

As the political landscape shifts, voters in key metros like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban are looking to understand who will be on the ballot to lead their cities for the next five-year term.

While official candidate lists are still being finalized by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), several parties have already begun signaling their intentions or announcing potential mayoral candidates.

The upcoming elections represent a critical juncture for South Africa’s urban governance, as residents demand improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic stability in their respective metros.

In Cape Town, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is expected to defend its stronghold, though opposition parties are intensifying their campaigns to challenge the status quo. Meanwhile, in Johannesburg and Durban, the political environment remains fluid, with coalition governments likely to play a significant role in determining the final mayoral outcomes.

Political analysts suggest that the 2026 polls will be defined by issues such as water security, electricity supply, and the ongoing struggle against corruption at the local government level.