ANC Weighs Three Candidates for Johannesburg Mayor Post

The African National Congress is weighing Frank Chikane, David Makhura and Loyiso Masuku as potential mayoral candidates for Johannesburg, according to reporting published by Daily Maverick on 11 June 2026. The three names emerged as the party searches for a candidate to oppose Helen Zille, who is currently the lead contender for the city's top post.

Chikane, who chairs the ANC's Integrity Commission, has received an endorsement from the party's Veterans League in Gauteng.

Makhura, the former Gauteng premier, is being lobbied to stand. He serves as the ANC's head of political education, convenor on coalition government, and lead at the OR Tambo School of Leadership. Masuku holds two roles inside the party structure: Johannesburg regional secretary and deputy mayor of the city.

An unnamed ANC veteran supporting Chikane described the contest in blunt terms. "[Chikane] is a big name and can turn things around. Loyiso [Masuku] is a lightweight compared to [Helen] Zille [currently the lead candidate].

He is on the ANC local government task team," the veteran said. The internal discussion comes as Johannesburg prepares for its next municipal election cycle, with party structures still determining who will head the ANC ticket.