LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: Extortion claims, cop probe fail to stop ANC Joburg candidate’s clearance to run

Sithembiso Zungu, Johannesburg's MMC for Group Corporate Services, has secured the ANC's renomination despite three extortion allegations and a criminal assault investigation. The Integrity Commission referred him to the party's disciplinary committee in May 2026, but he still progressed to the IEC for candidate nomination. Zungu denies the allegations and provided Daily Maverick with supporting videos. He won the branch nomination by a large margin in June 2026, with independent election monitors overseeing the process.

Zungu's position in the City is influential, giving him control over the boards of 13 entities that provide services to Johannesburg and route major contracts. The ANC's Integrity Commission report against Zungu has not been made public, but it could lead to his expulsion if found to bring the party into disrepute. The allegations stem from Zungu's alleged involvement in extortion and violence towards constituents during the Golden Highway project. Despite the controversy, Zungu has been cleared to run, according to the IEC.