ANALYSIS: If the ANC has given up on Joburg, why should business act any differently?

The 2026 local government elections in South Africa are drawing attention as political parties begin to unveil their mayoral candidates for major cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and others. With the polls set for November 4, the competition for leadership in these urban centers is intensifying, particularly as the ruling African National Congress (ANC) remains undecided on its final choices despite having released a list of 42 potential candidates earlier this year. Political parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), ActionSA, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party), and others have started to present their preferred candidates for mayoral positions. The DA has positioned former Cape Town mayor Helen Zille as its main contender in Johannesburg, while ActionSA has opted for former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba. The EFF has nominated Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, and the MK Party has selected Bongani Baloyi. Other parties, including the Patriotic Alliance and IFP, have also announced their picks. Meanwhile, the ANC, which holds the majority of seats in the country’s largest cities, has yet to finalize its candidates for Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and other metro areas. The ANC’s selection process for mayoral candidates has been distinct from that of its opponents. In May, the party launched a public nomination process, allowing input from citizens, civic groups, and professionals. By June, several names had emerged, including Reverend Frank Chikane and businesswoman Chichi Maponya in Johannesburg. However, the ANC’s final list, released in August, included 42 potential candidates instead of the anticipated eight, leaving the final selections to be determined by national officials. In Johannesburg, the race is expected to feature heavyweights. The ANC is considering three candidates: incumbent Mayor Dada Morero, Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku, and Reverend Chikane. The DA’s choice of Helen Zille, along with ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba, makes for a competitive field. The EFF and MK Party have also entered the fray with their respective nominees. In Tshwane, the contest involves both current and former leaders. The DA has selected Cilliers Brink, who previously served as mayor before being ousted via a no-confidence motion. ActionSA has chosen Dr Nasiphi Moya, while the EFF has nominated Omphile Maotwe. The ANC’s six potential candidates include Aaron Maluleka, Kgoši Maepa, Chana Pilane-Majake, Tlangi Mogale, Patience Moropa, and Phumeza Mangcu. In Ekurhuleni, the ANC’s internal contest remains unresolved, though the DA has already named Khathutshelo Rasilingwane as its candidate. Other cities are also seeing the emergence of candidates, with each party vying for influence in their respective metropolitan areas. Businesses are closely monitoring the political landscape, especially in Johannesburg, where recent polling indicates a close race between the ANC and DA. A poll by Ipsos suggests the ANC holds 31% of voter support, while the DA is at 27%, aligning with results from the 2024 Gauteng elections. This has prompted concerns among business leaders about the city’s continued decline and the potential for capital to shift away from Johannesburg towards other regions like Stellenbosch or Cape Town. Some companies are evaluating relocation options or delaying investments in Johannesburg, anticipating little change in governance post-elections. Meanwhile, firms in Tshwane and the Western Cape are exploring opportunities amid signs of economic growth in those areas. As the election approaches, the focus remains on who will ultimately lead the nation’s major cities and how that decision may reshape the political and economic landscape.