By Charmaine Ndlela
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has unveiled its mayoral candidates for South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities, with party leader Julius Malema positioning a mix of senior party leaders, Members of Parliament and experienced councillors to spearhead its campaign in the 2026 local government elections.
Malema announced the candidates on Saturday during the party’s 13th anniversary celebrations and manifesto launch at Thohoyandou Stadium in Limpopo, describing them as leaders capable of rebuilding municipalities through accountable governance and service delivery.
Among the key appointments, Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng will contest the City of Johannesburg mayoralty, while EFF Treasurer-General Omphile Maotwe has been selected to lead the party’s campaign in Tshwane.
Former Ekurhuleni Speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga will stand in Ekurhuleni, and former deputy secretary-general Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi has been named the party’s candidate for eThekwini.
The party also announced National Chairperson Nontando Nolutshungu as its mayoral candidate for Cape Town, while national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo will contest Nelson Mandela Bay.
Malema unveiled candidates for several strategic municipalities, including Deputy President Godrich Gardee for Mbombela, Lawrence Mapoulo for Polokwane, Sam Matiase for Mangaung, Mkhululi Dlevu for Buffalo City, Ncedo Kolanisi for King Sabata Dalindyebo, Israel Monaisa for Rustenburg and Member of Parliament Lerato Tito for Sol Plaatjie.
Addressing supporters, Malema said the party’s candidates had been chosen to restore municipalities that have been crippled by poor governance, corruption and failing service delivery.
The party said its experience in government had demonstrated that ideological commitment alone was not enough to turn municipalities around.
“Where the EFF is in government, we have proven that political conviction alone cannot fix infrastructure or rebuild institutions. Accountability and being of service to the people is what matters,” Malema said.
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