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

As South Africa gears up for the 2026 local government elections scheduled for November 4, political parties are in the final stages of selecting and announcing their mayoral candidates for the country’s major metropolitan municipalities.

The African National Congress (ANC) is currently finalizing its list of candidates, with senior officials indicating that the national executive committee is expected to confirm the names shortly. In Johannesburg, Reverend Frank Chikane has emerged as a prominent frontrunner for the party’s mayoral candidacy, as the ANC seeks to unify its structures ahead of the competitive race.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has already solidified its leadership and candidate positions. Geordin Hill-Lewis, who was elected as the federal leader of the DA in April 2026, continues to serve as the Mayor of Cape Town and has been confirmed as the party’s mayoral candidate for the city, campaigning on a platform of job creation and enhanced safety measures.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have also ramped up their campaign efforts. Party leader Julius Malema recently announced the EFF’s full slate of mayoral candidates during a press briefing in Sandton, asserting that the party has fielded the strongest possible contenders to challenge for control of the metros.

Malema insists EFF has fielded ‘best mayoral candidates’ for 2026 municipal polls.

With the election date approaching, the political landscape remains fluid as parties look to capitalize on voter discontent and expand their influence in key urban centers across South Africa.