Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

2026 Municipal Elections

latest news & developments
Thorny issue: Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi and Joburg mayor Dada Morero.
2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

ANC’s ‘own goals’ raise alarm

Senior ANC leaders warn that controversies over Nkabane, Morero and Lesufi could cost the party crucial support in Johannesburg

  • Mandisa Makgakga
6 min read
Returning: Floyd Shivambu formed Mayibuye iAfrika after being fired as secretary general of Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto we Sizwe party.
2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Floyd Shivambu’s Mayibuye iAfrika gains momentum as MK leaders defect

The new political movement is aiming to challenge established parties in KwaZulu-Natal in next year’s local government elections

  • Mandisa Makgakga
5 min read
The ANC’s claim on black voters still rests on a story of deliverance. The SACP’s claim rests on a story of unfinished deliverance. Both stories derive legitimacy from the same past but they license different futures
2026 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Mbalula: SACP’s decision to contest elections will split members

There are concerns that the decision will weaken the ANC in future elections

  • Mandisa Makgakga
4 min read