Local Elections 2026: ANC names 42 possible mayoral candidates for only eight metros
After months of delays, the ANC has failed to name its mayoral candidates for the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities in the 4 November local government elections and has instead named its metro shortlists. Here are the 42 contenders.
The African National Congress (ANC) has announced 42 possible mayoral candidates for the eight metropolitan municipalities in the upcoming 4 November local government elections, instead of naming the final candidates as initially planned. The postponement of the announcement comes after months of delays. The party expects to finalize the selections in September.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, during the announcement in Sandton, stated that the ANC has heard residents' concerns about the state of their municipalities, particularly the inability or unwillingness of leaders to address their needs. The selection process was broadened to include the public, branches, and other structures before screening, vetting, and interviewing candidates.
Fikile Mbalula, the ANC secretary-general, revealed that 226 people were put forward for consideration across roughly 50 municipalities and all nine provinces. He emphasized that the party aims to select "the best of the best".
Most of the announced candidates are from the ANC's existing structures, although there are several who could return to local government after serving in provincial or national positions. The ANC faces declining electoral support, with its vote share dropping from 62% in 2011 to 47.5% in 2021.
The eight metros with possible ANC mayoral candidates are Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and eThekwini. In Johannesburg, Dada Morero, the incumbent mayor, is the frontrunner, but his administration has faced criticism over water and electricity cuts and an unfunded budget. The DA's Helen Zille and ActionSA's Herman Mashaba are also in the race.
In Tshwane, Aaron Maluleka is the main contender, aiming to regain ground from the DA's Cilliers Brink. Tshwane also sees the return of Kgoši Maepa, former Tshwane regional chairperson and Premier Panyaza Lesufi's chief of staff. Ekurhuleni's candidates include Jongizizwe Dlabathi, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, Ntombi Mekgwe, and Pelisa Nkunjani. The eThekwini candidates include incumbent Mayor Cyril Xaba, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and several other prominent ANC figures.
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