Johannesburg mayoral candidates: Who is vying to lead the City of Gold?

Residents will face a competitive choice when they head to the polls in the 2026 local government elections as several political parties have announced their Johannesburg mayoral candidates.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s economic hub and home to Sandton, often described as Africa’s richest square mile. However, the metropolitan municipality continues to face challenges, including poor service delivery, deteriorating infrastructure, recurring water and electricity outages, and concerns about the city’s financial management.

With the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, political parties are hoping to convince residents that their candidates can address these challenges and improve the running of the city.

WHO ARE THE JOHANNESBURG MAYORAL CANDIDATES?

Several political parties have announced their mayoral candidates as they prepare for what is expected to be a closely contested race.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has selected Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, a medical doctor and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health, as its Johannesburg mayoral candidate.

ActionSA has chosen its president, Herman Mashaba, who previously served as Johannesburg mayor from 2016 to 2019 while he was a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA).

OUT NOW! 🇿🇦 https://t.co/5E0WcDwPkz

In this moment from our conversation, Herman Mashaba shares his views on immigration in South Africa, addressing undocumented immigration and his belief that South Africans should be prioritised when it comes to jobs, opportunities and access… pic.twitter.com/enGF7Yor4K

— Nandi Madida 🇿🇦 (@Nandi_Madida) October 12, 2026

The DA has selected former Cape Town mayor and former Western Cape premier Helen Zille as its candidate. Zille has made service delivery, infrastructure maintenance, water, electricity, billing and crime key issues in her campaign as she seeks to lead another major South African city.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has selected Mlungisi Mabaso, who serves as the City of Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Human Settlements. His campaign has focused on issues including housing, service delivery, youth development, safety and local economic development.

Rise Mzansi has named political analyst Lukhona Mnguni as its candidate, while Build One South Africa (BOSA) has selected Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster.

I was asked for some reflections emanating from the campaign trail.

The greatest barrier to these elections is how demotivated and demoralized BLACK VOTERS are.

We do need to encourage everyone to turn out to vote.

Come 4 November 2026 #VoteAmaselaOut #VoteRISEMzansi pic.twitter.com/I5mrXL0P1Y

— Lukhona Mnguni – RISE Mzansi CoJ (@LukhonaMnguni) October 12, 2026

The Land Party has put forward poet, musician and activist Nontsikelelo “Ntsiki” Mazwai, while Al Jama-ah has named Shireen Ebrahim as its candidate.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has selected former Midvaal mayor Bongani Baloyi, while the Patriotic Alliance (PA) has named its deputy president and Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene as its candidate.

We want our Fontana back with all those roasted chickens.
We want that after hours Pharmacy.
We want that Coca-Cola/Vodacom round building back.
We want our Carlton Centre back.
We want our Colloseum back.
We want our Library back.
We want our cleanliness back.
Cde Bongani Baloyi… pic.twitter.com/xu64T253Qz

— Mzwanele Manyi MP (@MzwaneleManyi) September 11, 2026

Mo-Afrika Mandla Mokoena from the African People’s Convention (APC) is also one of the Johannesburg mayoral candidates.

The ANC’s mayoral candidate has not yet been confirmed. However, incumbent mayor Dada Morero and deputy mayor Loyiso Masuku made it to the party’s Proportional Representation list.