Municipal elections: DA sticks to its stalwarts as ANC & EFF look to wrestle control of Cape Town

With the local government elections fast approaching, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is banking on its experienced leadership to retain control of the City of Cape Town, while the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are intensifying their efforts to challenge the party’s long-standing dominance.

The DA has officially nominated its federal leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, to vie for a second term as mayor. Hill-Lewis has framed the upcoming contest as a critical battle for the future of the city, warning that a change in administration would lead to a decline in service delivery and governance standards.

Meanwhile, opposition parties are ramping up their campaigns. The EFF has selected its parliamentary Chief Whip, Nontando Nolutshungu, as its mayoral candidate, signaling a strategic push to capture urban support. The ANC, while yet to finalize its mayoral candidate, is mobilizing its organizational structures at the ward level to reclaim ground in the metro.

The DA is not interested in continuing with the game of “musical chairs” in mayoral offices. The DA is open to honest conversations about the way forward in municipalities and what is best for the residents.

As 55 political parties and 12 independent candidates prepare to contest the Cape Town elections, the political landscape remains highly competitive. Analysts suggest that coalition dynamics and the ability to mobilize voters in key wards will be the deciding factors in who ultimately governs the city.