Johannesburg mayoral election preparations

Political activity is increasing in Johannesburg as parties prepare for the November 2026 local government elections. Candidates and parties are positioning themselves amidst challenges involving aging infrastructure, financial pressure, and coalition instability.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has expressed confidence in his candidacy, stating his party focuses on community work and is willing to form coalitions with any party committed to fighting corruption and excluding undocumented foreign nationals from municipal services. Meanwhile, political analyst Prince Mashele has endorsed Democratic Alliance candidate Helen Zille, citing her experience as former Cape Town mayor and Western Cape premier. However, the Patriotic Alliance has ruled out cooperation with the Democratic Alliance.

The African National Congress (ANC) has also moved forward by announcing a shortlist of mayoral finalists, including current Mayor Dada Morero, Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku, and Reverend Frank Chikane. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula dismissed rumors that Chikane had withdrawn from the race due to health or safety concerns, characterizing such reports as false.