DJ Ready D is running for mayor of Cape Town in the 2026 local elections

South African hip-hop sensation Deon "DJ Ready D" Daniels has announced his intention to run for mayor of Cape Town in the 2026 local elections. The seasoned DJ and broadcaster has declared himself available as a potential mayoral candidate for the People's Movement for Change (PMC) ahead of the upcoming elections on 4 November 2026. However, his decision to enter politics has brought up deeply personal aspects of his life, as he has shared an emotional story about his family's history.

In a recent social media post, Ready D revealed that he had been sharing parts of his personal narrative to provide context for his decision to enter politics and join the PMC. He expressed that the weight of his family's history became overwhelming as he shared his story. One significant part of his family's history is the forced removal from District Six, a deeply painful chapter in South Africa's history that he is still processing.

Ready D explained that his family's removal, along with the experiences of thousands of South Africans, represents the legacy of apartheid's forced removals.

His comments add a deeply personal dimension to his political ambitions, connecting his family's experience with the broader history of forced removals and communities affected by apartheid. While Ready D's decision to enter politics is rooted in addressing issues such as safety, emotional and mental wellbeing, opportunity, and creating better possibilities for young people, he also emphasized that his journey extends beyond elections and government positions.

He made it clear that his primary focus is on serving with intent, creating better opportunities for young people, and promoting grassroots-driven solutions to tackle inequality.