Political parties shift focus to mayoral candidates in 2026 local elections

In the 2026 local government elections, political parties are moving away from using national leaders as their campaign faces, particularly for metropolitan areas. Instead, they are focusing on mayoral candidates, regardless of whether the voters directly elect them. This shift is said to be significant as it places more emphasis on the personality of the candidates rather than the party's policy framework.

Andre Duvenhage, a University of North West professor, emphasized that the profile of the individual representing a party is crucial to their success. Dirk Kotze, a Unisa professor, noted that mayoral candidates personify political parties, giving them a face and acting as local leading figures. The DA, ActionSA, Rise Mzansi, GOOD Party, EFF, Patriotic Alliance, and National Coloured Congress have announced their mayoral candidates, with two party leaders contesting for the top post.

The ANC and MK Party, however, have not yet unveiled theirs. In Cape Town, the ANC interviewed eight candidates for the top position. Sifiso Mtsweni, the ANC's spokesperson, acknowledged that their campaign will begin after the unveiling of mayoral candidates and the launch of the local government manifesto. He stressed that while mayors are secondary to this process, they are crucial at a strategic level, with ward councillors being the community's direct contact.

Mtsweni emphasized the importance of rigorous candidate selection, stating that other parties lack the necessary depth and capacity to announce their candidates overnight. The DA's Geordin Hill-Lewis was unveiled as their mayoral candidate, providing voters with someone to connect with and rally behind, as he has proven service delivery experience.

The SACP, which will contest the elections, is still weighing the strategic value of naming their mayoral candidates ahead of the elections.