The 2026 local government elections are approaching, and political parties are gearing up for the battle ahead. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced its latest group of 11 mayoral candidates in the Western Cape, but has yet to name its pick for the Cape Town metro.
The DA Western Cape leader, Tertius Simmers, said the party was deliberately staggering its announcements, confirming that its Cape Town mayoral candidate would only be revealed as part of the final group next. The party has announced candidates for 11 municipalities, all currently under its governance, in what it described as a continued push to strengthen service delivery and maintain control of key councils.
Mayoral Candidates Announced
Among those announced are Jessica Kamkam for Bitou, Mario Wessels for Bergrivier, Raymond Ross for Cape Agulhas, Stephen Korabie for Drakenstein, Marais Kruger for the Garden Route District, Browen Johnson for George, Richard van Huyssteen for Matzikama, Clinton Lerm for Overstrand, Harold Cleophas for Swartland, Jeremy Fasser for Stellenbosch and Trevor Abrahams for Witzenberg.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has already named its Cape Town mayoral pick, with party leader Gayton McKenzie describing Cheslyn Steenberg as a future leader who rose through the party’s ranks after winning a by-election in Kensington and later serving as chief whip in council. The African National Congress (ANC) says its selection process is underway, with provincial spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni saying the process has begun with branch meetings.
Other Parties’ Candidates
The National Coloured Congress (NCC) has confirmed its nominee, Ellen Pakkies, as its Cape Town mayoral candidate, with her campaign expected to focus on tackling drug abuse and supporting vulnerable communities on the Cape Flats. ActionSA has yet to make a formal announcement despite active campaigning, and the GOOD Party is still preparing its election approach.
For more information on the election process, visit the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa website. The election is expected to have a significant impact on the country, with many government policies hanging in the balance.
- DA mayoral candidates announced for 11 municipalities
- Cape Town mayoral candidate to be announced later
- Other parties’ candidates announced or pending
