Johannesburg’s Heart and Soul Battle Intensifies

Casey Halston

Published: March 1, 2026 3:20 AM ET

As the preparation for the 2026 Local Government Elections heats up, Johannesburg finds itself at the center of a political struggle. The recent elections have set the stage for intense competition among various political factions, raising questions about the future leadership of South Africa’s economic hub.

Johannesburg’s Heart and Soul Battle Intensifies

The internal conflict within the African National Congress (ANC) has taken a significant turn. Loyiso Masuku made history as the first woman to chair the Johannesburg ANC region, defeating incumbent Mayor Dada Morero. This victory is deemed crucial, potentially influencing the mayoral position in the lead-up to the Local Government Elections.

Recent service delivery issues have prompted calls for Masuku to step into the role of mayor ahead of the elections. Concerns have emerged regarding how this change in leadership might affect the ANC’s performance at the anticipated 2027 elective conference. The party’s national leadership has reacted to allegations of electoral irregularities with unusual measures, including involving the South African Police Service in ballot tracking.

The Rising Competition

As the ANC grapples with internal challenges, opposition parties are positioning themselves to capitalize on their vulnerabilities. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced Helen Zille as its mayoral candidate. The DA argues that Johannesburg thrived under its stewardship but has stagnated under ANC governance. Using examples from Cape Town, the DA encourages citizens to vote for change in the upcoming elections.

In a parallel move, ActionSA has nominated Herman Mashaba, who previously served as the city’s mayor. Mashaba is emphasizing his past achievements and suggests that under his leadership, Johannesburg would regain its former vitality. This places the ANC in a defensive stance, having to contend with both internal divisions and formidable external opposition.

The Challenge from Patriotic Alliance

Adding to the competitive landscape, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) has put forward Kenny Kunene as its mayoral candidate. Kunene expressed confidence in his ability to lead Johannesburg, promising decisive action on pressing issues. His candidacy challenges the other candidates and showcases a range of leadership options for voters.

Questions Surrounding the Contenders

Helen Zille: What rationale supports her return as a candidate? What can she do differently this time?
Herman Mashaba: Can he distinguish himself from his previous tenure under the DA?
Kenny Kunene: What is the source of his assertiveness, given his current position within the ANC-led council?

The backdrop of factionalism within the ANC could pave the way for emerging parties like the MKP and the EFF. These parties may present themselves as alternatives, appealing to voters disillusioned with the current government. The evolving political dynamics suggest that Johannesburg is on the brink of a significant transformation.

As the election approaches, various outcomes remain possible. Loyiso Masuku could lead the ANC to retain power or, conversely, Zille might facilitate a DA resurgence. The collective challenge faced by the ANC signals a critical juncture in the city’s governance and electoral future.