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

As parties battle to take control of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro ahead of the local government elections on 4 November 2026, mayoral candidates are laying out their visions to rebuild the metro, which has long been plagued by political instability and inconsistent governance.

The African National Congress (ANC) initially shortlisted four candidates for the metro: current mayor Babalwa Lobishe, former councillor and ANC NEC member Andile Lungisa, corporate executive Xolani Vela, and deputy regional secretary Nontombi “Ntombi” Nama. However, the party ultimately abandoned its plans to officially announce its mayoral candidates before the election, leaving the final choice unresolved despite internal pressure and claims from candidates like Lungisa that they are the party’s choice.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has put forward Retief Odendaal as its mayoral candidate. Odendaal, who previously served as mayor before being ousted in May 2023, is campaigning on a platform of stability and service delivery.

We can get Nelson Mandela Bay working again.

Odendaal has stated that he views his previous time as mayor as a test run and is seeking a full five-year term to complete his objectives.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have named Sinawo Thambo as their mayoral candidate for the metro, while the MK Party is fielding Mvuleni Mapu. Additionally, the National Alliance is represented by Gary van Niekerk, who has urged voters to reject the traditional political establishment, citing years of neglect in the Northern Areas.

With no clear winner expected in the polls, the metro faces the prospect of another fragile coalition government, as parties scramble to secure a majority in one of the Eastern Cape’s most critical economic hubs.