Who Really Runs Our Cities? The Politics of Mayoral Candidates in 2026

As South Africa barrels toward the 2026 local government elections, a significant shift is underway. Political parties are moving away from using their national leaders as the faces of their campaigns, especially in the metros, and are instead putting forward specific mayoral candidates. This change raises a critical question for voters: are we choosing a person, or a policy? And more importantly, who truly holds the power to change the daily realities of our townships and suburbs?

This development is notable because voters do not directly elect mayors. They vote for a party or an independent candidate on the ballot paper. The mayor is then chosen by the council after the election. Yet, the emphasis on personalities is reshaping the electoral landscape, a move that political analysts say is more about image than substance.

Why are parties now pushing mayoral candidates?

Professor Andre Duvenhage from the University of North West explained that a party's success can be significantly impacted by the individual representing it, particularly if they have a strong public profile. He warned that parties without such candidates will not have the same impact. This focus, however, can distract from the core issues that matter to our communities, such as service delivery and land reform.

Professor Dirk Kotze from Unisa echoed this, calling the unveiling a