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

Political parties have put forward their mayoral candidates for Nelson Mandela Bay ahead of the local government elections on 4 November. The metro has faced years of coalition instability, deteriorating services and financial challenges.

The African National Congress (ANC) has not publicly identified its preferred mayoral candidate for Nelson Mandela Bay ahead of the elections, despite having an August shortlist that included current mayor Babalwa Lobishe, corporate executive Xolani Vela, and deputy regional secretary Nontombi “Ntombi” Nama. Former councillor and ANC NEC member Andile Lungisa has insisted he is the candidate, though his nomination process faced legal and administrative hurdles.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is fielding Retief Odendaal as its mayoral candidate. Odendaal, who previously served as mayor before being ousted in 2023, has stated, “We can get Nelson Mandela Bay working again,” and is seeking a full five-year term to finish his work.

The National Alliance (NA) is represented by Gary Van Niekerk, a former council Speaker who became mayor in May 2023 following the removal of Odendaal. The ANC later claimed the mayoralty in October 2024.

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has put forward Mvuleni Mapu, a former acting city manager, as its mayoral candidate.

Additionally, former Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Zanoxolo Wayile, who served from 2009 to 2013, is contesting the elections as the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) mayoral candidate.