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 African National Congress (ANC) initially shortlisted four candidates in August: current mayor Babalwa Lobishe, former councillor Andile Lungisa, corporate executive Xolani Vela, and deputy regional secretary Nontombi “Ntombi” Nama. However, the party has not publicly identified a single preferred candidate ahead of the polls.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has nominated Retief Odendaal as its mayoral candidate. Odendaal previously served as mayor before being removed in May 2023 following an ANC-led coalition deal.

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has put forward Mvuleni Mapu, a former SACP district chairperson and former acting city manager in the municipality, as its candidate.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have nominated Sinawo Thambo as their mayoral candidate, with the party actively campaigning to win control of the metro.

Other notable contenders include the ACDP’s Lance Grootboom and independent candidate Siyanda Mayana. Additionally, former mayor Zanoxolo Wayile is contesting the election as the South African Communist Party’s mayoral candidate.

The metro’s voters will decide on 4 November which party and candidate will lead Nelson Mandela Bay.