ANC Prepares Public Mayoral Slate Ahead of Gauteng Local Elections
The African National Congress (ANC) is set to announce its mayoral candidates for Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni this week, marking a shift from the party’s traditional practice of keeping such decisions private until after the vote. The move comes as the ANC faces heightened competition from the Democratic Alliance (DA), ActionSA and other parties in South Africa’s economic hub.
Johannesburg: Reverend Frank Chikane Emerges as Front‑Runner
According to a senior ANC official involved in the selection process, the party’s Enlarged National Executive Committee (NEC) will confirm the list of candidates before a formal announcement by Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula. Mbalula has indicated that candidates must have campaign manifestos ready for launch events in major cities.
For Johannesburg, Reverend Frank Chikane has been identified as the leading contender. Chikane, who chairs the ANC’s Integrity Commission and served as director‑general in the Presidency under Thabo Mbeki, was interviewed alongside incumbent mayor Dada Morero and deputy mayor Loyiso Masuku. Internal sources describe him as a stabilising figure capable of easing factional tensions between Morero and Masuku, who are now expected to vie for the deputy mayor position should Chikane secure the top slot.
The ANC’s Johannesburg regional structures initially favoured Masuku, but Business Day reports that Chikane was viewed as the most suitable candidate to challenge the DA’s Helen Zille, whose campaign began months earlier and has gained considerable traction.
Analysts note that the outcome in Johannesburg is pivotal, given the city’s fiscal challenges. The Auditor‑General’s 2024/25 report found that the metro generated almost R4 billion worth of electricity, while nearly a quarter of its water supply is lost each year through leaks and burst pipes, amounting to over R2 billion in losses.
Other Gauteng Metros: Tshwane and Ekurhuleni
In Tshwane, the ANC’s likely mayoral candidates are current mayoral committee members Tlangi Mogale and Aaron Maluleke. Both have been active in the city’s administration and are seen as continuity figures.
Ekurhuleni’s contest appears to be limited to two frontrunners from the same regional leadership: ANC regional chairman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza and regional secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi. The party’s regional structures have not yet indicated a clear preference, suggesting a tighter race.
Strategic Shift: Public Candidate Announcements
Historically, the ANC kept mayoral selections confidential until after local elections, allowing councillors to negotiate the position afterwards. Faced with the risk of losing control of Johannesburg and other metros to coalitions led by the DA, ActionSA and newer parties, the ANC has opted to name its candidates publicly and build campaigns around them. This approach aims to present a unified electoral list and to energise grassroots support well before the November 4 vote.
Implications for Gauteng’s Political Landscape
The public rollout of mayoral slates could reshape voter perceptions in Gauteng, where the ANC has governed Johannesburg for much of the past three decades but has seen declining support since 2016. By exposing candidates early, the party hopes to:
- Counter the DA’s narrative of superior service delivery.
- Mitigate internal factionalism by presenting a consensus candidate.
- Provide voters with clear platforms and manifestos ahead of launch events.
Political analysts warn that if the ANC fails to secure decisive victories in these metros, coalition governance may become the norm, potentially affecting policy continuity and service delivery across the region.
Conclusion
As the ANC prepares to unveil its mayoral candidates for Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, the party is navigating a complex terrain of internal dynamics, external competition and pressing service‑delivery challenges. The decision to announce candidates early reflects a strategic effort to restore confidence and present a united front ahead of the November 4 local elections. Voters will now‑transparent approach will ultimately be tested at the polls, where the performance of the ANC’s nominees will be measured against the promises of their rivals.
