2026 local government elections: Who is running for mayor in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and other metros?
As South Africa approaches the 2026 local government elections scheduled for November 4, political parties are finalizing their mayoral candidates for the country’s major metropolitan municipalities.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) officially unveiled their mayoral candidates during their 13th-anniversary rally and manifesto launch at Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo on July 25, 2026. EFF leader Julius Malema emphasized that the party has fielded its strongest leadership to take charge of municipalities, stating that local government requires a larger share of funding to address service delivery challenges.
We want more money for the local government, because it is the sphere of government that is closest to the people.
The EFF’s announced mayoral candidates for key metros include Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng for Johannesburg, Omphile Maotwe for Tshwane, Nthabiseng Tshivenga for Ekurhuleni, Sinawo Thambo for Nelson Mandela Bay, and Mkhululi Dlevu for Buffalo City.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) has been engaged in its own internal selection processes. Reports indicate that Reverend Frank Chikane has emerged as a frontrunner for the Johannesburg mayoral candidacy as the party seeks to unify its structures ahead of the polls. The ANC’s national executive committee is tasked with finalizing these lists to ensure candidates are prepared for upcoming campaign launches.
In the Eastern Cape, the competition for the two available metro mayoral chains is intense, with at least 11 candidates shortlisted across Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay following a rigorous interview process.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also signaled its readiness for the election, describing the November 4 vote as a “make-or-break” moment for South African municipalities. The party has been conducting extensive voter engagement campaigns and has urged citizens to verify their registration status during the designated registration windows.