Here are the Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral candidates for the 2026 polls

As the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality heads toward the pivotal local government election on 4 November, political parties have put forward their candidates to lead the metro. The region has a long history of unstable coalition governments, making this mayoral race particularly significant.

The African National Congress (ANC) shortlisted four candidates for the position: current mayor Babalwa Lobishe, corporate executive Xolani Vela, deputy regional secretary Nontombi “Ntombi” Nama, and former councillor and ANC NEC member Andile Lungisa. Babalwa Lobishe has served as mayor since October 2024, having previously been an Eastern Cape MPL and a member of the mayoral committees under Ben Fihla and Danny Jordaan.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is fielding former mayor Retief Odendaal. Odendaal, who was removed from the mayoral position in May 2023 following an ANC-led coalition deal, has stated that his previous tenure was a “test run” and is seeking a full five-year term to rebuild infrastructure and restore confidence in the metro.

The National Alliance (NA) is represented by Gary van Niekerk. A former council Speaker, Van Niekerk became mayor in May 2023 after Odendaal was ousted. He has emphasized that his party is contesting the elections to lead and serve, positioning the NA as a central pillar in the future governance of the metro.

The MK Party has put forward Mvuleni Mapu as its mayoral candidate. Mapu is a former SACP district chairperson who is credited with establishing the party’s first structures within the municipality.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have named their national spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo, as their mayoral candidate for the metro.