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

Political parties are accelerating preparations for the upcoming local government elections, with mayoral candidates emerging and the ANC broadening its selection approach.

Political momentum is steadily building across the Western Cape as parties begin formalising their mayoral candidates and refining campaign strategies ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

The Patriotic Alliance has confirmed Cheslyn Steenberg as its mayoral candidate for Cape Town, placing a relatively young but established councillor at the centre of its campaign.

Steenberg, who has served in the City Council and previously secured a by-election victory in Kensington, represents the party’s effort to position itself as a growing force in the metro.

His selection reflects a broader trend among smaller parties to elevate candidates with local visibility and community engagement experience.