Here are the candidates vying for the eThekwini mayoral chain
· The South African
Political parties are gearing up for the 4 November local government elections and have named candidates for several municipalities, including the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
The race for the eThekwini mayoral chain has attracted candidates from several major political parties, while the African National Congress (ANC) is yet to make a final decision on its candidate.
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The contest comes as parties campaign on issues including water shortages, electricity supply, infrastructure, unemployment and service delivery in the metro.
MEET THE ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY CANDIDATES
ActionSA has named its KwaZulu-Natal chairperson, Zwakele Mncwango, as its eThekwini mayoral candidate.
The party failed to secure a seat in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature in the 2024 elections after receiving about 0.3% of the provincial vote.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has selected its member of Parliament and former deputy secretary-general, Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi, as its candidate.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has named its national spokesperson, member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, as its mayoral candidate.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has selected former member of Parliament and councillor Haniff Hoosen as its candidate. The party announced his candidacy in 2025.
Durban Harbour workers are meeting with political parties to discuss the proposed insourcing programme and issues affecting workers at the port. EFF Mayoral Candidate Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi and ActionSA’s Zwakele Mncwango are among those attending. pic.twitter.com/5KJ4Ebuw94
— Durban Network (@Durbannetwork) October 2, 2026
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party initially named Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi as its eThekwini mayoral candidate in August. However, she was removed from the position in September following allegations that the party’s candidate lists had been manipulated. Apostle Mxolisi Phakathi was subsequently named as her replacement.
The MK Party’s changes have created a distinction between its mayoral candidate and its certified proportional representation list. Hlophe-Mkhwanazi remains at the top of the party’s eThekwini PR list, while Phakathi is the party’s mayoral candidate.
The Active Citizens Coalition (ACC) has also entered the race, with eThekwini councillor and community activist Imtiaz Syed named as its mayoral candidate.
ANC YET TO ANNOUNCE FINAL CANDIDATE
The former ruling party has reportedly shortlisted five candidates: incumbent mayor Cyril Xaba, eThekwini council Speaker Thabani Nyawose, former KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Mina Soma-Lesoma and ANC veteran Maggie Govender.
Xaba, however, currently tops the ANC’s certified proportional representation candidate list for eThekwini.
The final selection will determine who represents the governing party in its campaign to retain control of the metro.
The candidates are campaigning ahead of the 4 November local government elections, when voters will elect councillors who will determine the political leadership of municipalities across South Africa.