As South Africa’s local government elections approach on November 4, the African National Congress (ANC) is gearing up to announce its candidate for the mayor of Johannesburg, one of the nation’s most competitive metropolitan areas. Currently, the city is overseen by an ANC-led coalition, with Dada Morero at the helm as executive mayor. However, Morero’s prospects for securing the ANC’s mayoral candidacy have been in question since he lost his position as the party’s Greater Johannesburg regional chair in 2025. This uncertainty led the ANC to initiate a broader candidate-selection process after an earlier nomination did not meet national standards.
Among those interviewed by the party, Reverend Frank Chikane has emerged as a prominent contender. Meanwhile, other significant political parties have already finalized their candidates for the crucial electoral race. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have put forward Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, while ActionSA has selected Herman Mashaba, a former Johannesburg mayor. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has nominated Helen Zille, who previously served as both the mayor of Cape Town and the premier of the Western Cape.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has chosen Mlungisi Mabaso as their candidate, while parties like Rise Mzansi, Build One South Africa (BOSA), the Land Party, and Al Jama-ah have also announced their candidates. This fierce competition underscores Johannesburg’s significance in the upcoming elections, with many parties aiming to address critical issues that resonate with voters.
The upcoming election is set to focus on pivotal topics such as service delivery, infrastructure, water, electricity, housing, crime, and local economic development. These issues are at the forefront of voters’ concerns, as they directly impact the quality of life in Johannesburg’s communities. As political parties finalize their strategies and candidates, the race for Johannesburg’s mayoral office promises to be a closely watched contest.