By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) announced its mayoral candidates in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and named Bongani Baloyi as the mayoral candidate for Johannesburg.
Baloyi has prior experience in the mayoral space, having previously served as mayor of Midvaal. He was selected alongside five other mayoral candidates of the MK Party at the Coastlands Skye Hotel during a media briefing.
Alongside Baloyi, MK parliamentary member Thulani Shongwe is a promising prospect for the MK Party, and the party has named him to run for mayor of Ekurhuleni.
“The endorsement of these candidates has marked an important step towards consolidating the party’s electoral campaign and providing voters with real leadership choices for the 2026 local government elections,” said the secretary-general of the MK Party, Sibonelo Nomvalo.
Zandile Hlophe-Mkhwanazi will be the mayoral candidate for eThekwini, alongside Mapaseka Mothibi, who will be contesting in Mangaung. Mzwandile Vaaiboom will be running in Buffalo City, while Mvuleni Mapu will be contesting in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“We’ve got new flowers to present to the nation, and those flowers are going to be the face of the MK Party during the course of these local government elections,” said Nomvalo.
He emphasised that the endorsement of their mayoral candidates for the upcoming elections was a key priority in providing potential voters with clear choices in leadership.
The party has also stated that it has made significant progress in its preparations for the elections, including finalising its mandates and intentions should it be elected, strengthening election operations, managing councillor and candidate disputes or disagreements, as well as mobilising supporters and volunteers.
Nomvalo announced the 2026 Local Government People’s Manifesto, which was presented to national officials for additional guidance. He also commended figures such as Dr Lucky Montana and Dr Mthanti Mthanti for their involvement in preparing the People’s Mandate. The document will be released to the public on 4 September.
Nomvalo also announced that the party has registered more than 300,000 new members since June 16, which signifies a large degree of trust and confidence in support for the party.
As part of its preparations for the upcoming elections, the MK Party announced the Gwaza Election Operation Centre, which will be a state-of-the-art facility providing election results in real time, as well as strengthening coordination and communication during the election process.
Alongside the announcement of the candidates, the new Head of International Relations for the party is Zanele Ntuli. Nomvalo expressed that Ntuli has critical experience that is essential to how the party engages with international partners and helps advance its objectives beyond the country.