LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: Defiant Andile Lungisa claims Nelson Mandela Bay mayoral crown despite ANC appeal plans
With the ANC delaying its mayoral announcements until after the local government elections, Andile Lungisa is claiming grassroots support for Nelson Mandela Bay’s top job. He has criticised Mayor Babalwa Lobishe and cited his court victory over his removal from the ANC’s proportional representation candidate list in support of his bid.
Andile Lungisa, an incumbent mayor and ANC National Executive Committee member, is claiming victory in Nelson Mandela Bay's upcoming local elections despite the ANC delaying its mayoral announcements. Lungisa has criticized Mayor Babalwa Lobishe and cited his court victory over his removal from the ANC's proportional representation candidate list as support for his bid.
The ANC initially committed to unveiling its candidates in August but pushed the announcement to September, leaving the final choices unresolved as election day approaches. Lungisa endorsed the ANC's decision to withhold the final candidate list, arguing that an earlier announcement would have caused division among party members and supporters.
He emphasized that community and branch support have established him as the metro's leading mayoral candidate and that Lobishe has been distant from the people she leads.
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