The African National Congress (ANC) has released a list of 42 potential mayoral candidates for South Africa’s eight metropolitan areas, marking a shift in its traditional candidate selection process ahead of the 4 November local government elections. The announcement, made on Saturday, 22 August 2026, took place at the Sandton International Convention Centre, where the ANC revealed its broader candidate pool for both metropolitan and district municipalities. This move followed initial expectations that the party would announce its mayoral candidates earlier, ahead of its local government election manifesto launch in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, on Sunday. Instead, the ANC opted for a wider selection process, opening nominations to the public, branches, and other structures before conducting screenings, vetting, and interviews. According to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, approximately 226 individuals were submitted for consideration across around 50 municipalities and all nine provinces. While most of the names listed come from within the ANC’s existing structures, there are also several potential candidates who may return to local government after holding roles at the provincial or national levels. Mbalula emphasized that the party aimed to select “the best of the best,” raising the bar for qualifications and ensuring that mayors possess the necessary educational background and competencies to lead effectively. Among the potential candidates for Johannesburg, the ANC has named current mayor Dada Morero, deputy mayor Loyiso Masuku, and veteran cleric Frank Chikane. Morero, who was elected in August 2024 following a tenure as the City’s finance municipal mayor, faces mounting criticism over rising water and electricity cuts and the City’s unfunded budget. His administration has struggled with financial pressures and service delivery issues, making the mayoral race a high-stakes contest. Masuku, who recently emerged as a mayoral contender after defeating Morero to become the ANC’s regional chairperson in 2025, has been integral to the City’s leadership amid these challenges. Their rivalry adds complexity to the selection process. Chikane, a long-standing ANC figure known for his role in the anti-apartheid struggle, was initially regarded as the frontrunner for the Johannesburg mayoral candidacy. However, reports suggested that his family had urged him to step down due to health concerns and the challenging conditions in the city. Despite this, Mbalula categorically denied such claims, calling them a fabrication. He reiterated that Chikane remains among the candidates being evaluated and stressed the ANC’s confidence in its selection process. The party has taken steps to ensure that future mayors meet higher standards, emphasizing education and competence as key criteria. The Johannesburg mayoral race is anticipated to be one of the most fiercely contested in the upcoming local government elections. The incumbent mayor, Morero, will face off against a range of opponents, including DA candidate Helen Zille, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, EFF candidate Tlaleng Mofokeng, Patriotic Alliance candidate Kenny Kunene, IFP candidate Mlungisi Mabaso, Rise Mzansi’s Lukhona Mnguni, and Build One South Africa’s Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster. Each of these candidates represents different political factions and brings distinct policy priorities to the table, further intensifying the competition. In addition to Johannesburg, the ANC has also identified potential candidates for other major metropolitan areas, including Tshwane, where former regional chairperson Kgoši Maepa is among the contenders. The ANC aims to reclaim support in regions where it has historically lagged, such as Tshwane, where the DA’s Cilliers Brink is running for re-election. The party’s strategy reflects a broader effort to address governance shortcomings and restore public trust in its ability to deliver effective local leadership. As the ANC prepares to finalize its candidate selections in September, the focus remains on ensuring that the chosen mayors are capable of addressing the pressing challenges facing South Africa’s municipalities.
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