As South Africa’s local government elections on November 4 approach, the African National Congress (ANC) is poised to reveal its candidate for the pivotal role of Johannesburg mayor. This metropolitan area is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested in the country. Currently, the city is governed by a coalition led by the ANC, with Dada Morero serving as the executive mayor.
The uncertainty surrounding Morero’s future candidacy persists, particularly after he lost his position as the party’s Greater Johannesburg regional chairperson in 2025. This setback prompted the ANC to initiate an extensive candidate-selection process after its initial nomination did not satisfy the party’s national criteria. Among the contenders, Reverend Frank Chikane has emerged as a prominent candidate following interviews conducted by the party.
Meanwhile, other significant political parties have already put forward their candidates for the mayoral race. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has nominated Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, and ActionSA has chosen Herman Mashaba, a former Johannesburg mayor. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has opted for Helen Zille, who previously served as the mayor of Cape Town and as the Western Cape premier.
In addition to these nominations, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has put forward Mlungisi Mabaso as their candidate. Other parties like Rise Mzansi, Build One South Africa (BOSA), the Land Party, and Al Jama-ah have also announced their candidates, ensuring a diverse lineup for the upcoming election.
The election campaign is anticipated to focus heavily on critical issues such as service delivery, infrastructure, water and electricity supply, housing, crime, and local economic development. With these pressing topics at the forefront, the selection of Johannesburg’s next mayor could significantly influence the city’s path forward.