The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has dismissed speculation that it is in talks with former MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi to return as its mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg. EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini said the party’s immediate priority is mobilising voters ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Upcoming Elections
With elections approaching, political parties have begun announcing mayoral candidates for key municipalities, particularly in Gauteng, where the City of Johannesburg, City of Ekurhuleni and the City of Tshwane are expected to be highly contested. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance and ActionSA, have intensified their campaigns. ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has been confirmed as the party’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, having previously served in the role from August 2016 to November 2019.
So far, three candidates have been publicly declared in the Johannesburg race: Mashaba; Democratic Alliance federal council chairperson Helen Zille; and Kenny Kunene, who currently serves as MMC for transport in the metro. The MK Party has indicated it will announce its candidate before April. Johannesburg continues to face severe service delivery challenges, including water and electricity shortages, potholes, deteriorating infrastructure, uncollected refuse, and non-functioning streetlights and traffic signals.
EFF’s Decision-Making Process
Dlamini said the EFF is deliberately taking its time to announce candidates, stressing that the party follows its own processes. He explained that the party had to go to a plenary where they sit and have a plan of what becomes the programme of action for the year. According to Dlamini, the EFF’s official website outlines the party’s vision and mission, which guides their decision-making process.
The African National Congress (ANC) has yet to confirm whether it will retain incumbent mayor Dada Morero or nominate a new candidate. As the elections draw near, the people of Johannesburg await the announcement of the EFF’s mayoral candidate. Dlamini said all decisions are taken through organisational structures, ensuring that everyone is on board with the party’s plans.
Some of the key issues that the new mayor will have to address include:
- Water and electricity shortages
- Potholes and deteriorating infrastructure
- Uncollected refuse and non-functioning streetlights and traffic signals
For more information on the City of Johannesburg’s current state, visit the City of Johannesburg’s official website.
