The 2026 local government elections could produce a dramatic political contest in Gauteng, with several high-profile mayoral candidates carrying histories of legal battles and controversy entering the race for Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
The latest development came on Saturday when the Afrika Mayibuye Movement announced businessman and former convicted prisoner Themba “Skeem GP” Lukhele as its mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni.
Party president Floyd Shivambu made the announcement during a political event in Kliptown, Soweto.
Lukhele, who has spoken publicly about his time in prison and subsequent rehabilitation, is being presented by the party as a businessman, author, motivational speaker, philanthropist and social-change advocate.
According to Afrika Mayibuye, Lukhele holds a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Management from Logos University in the United States and is currently pursuing a master’s degree.
The party also says his advocacy work includes partnerships with the Department of Correctional Services and other government departments.
However, Afrika Mayibuye did not announce its candidate for the City of Johannesburg. Instead, Prince Mokotedi was unveiled as the party’s preferred mayoral candidate for Tshwane.
Mokotedi is described as a Tshwane-born public administrator, governance specialist, pastor and community leader based in Atteridgeville. He has more than three decades of public-sector experience, including senior roles within the South African Police Service, the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Independent Electoral Commission.
Kunene Enters Johannesburg Mayoral Race
In Johannesburg, the Patriotic Alliance has selected its deputy president, Kenny Kunene, as its mayoral candidate.
Kunene, a businessman and prominent PA figure, has previously faced criminal allegations and attracted controversy, making his candidacy likely to become a major talking point during the campaign for control of the City of Johannesburg.
Khumalo to Contest Ekurhuleni
Ekurhuleni is also shaping up to be a closely watched contest, with ActionSA putting forward crime-fighting activist Xolani Khumalo as its mayoral candidate.
Khumalo became widely known for his high-profile activism against crime and alleged criminal activity. However, the activist has also faced legal challenges of his own.
The growing field of candidates highlights the increasingly unpredictable nature of the 2026 local government elections, particularly in Gauteng’s major metropolitan municipalities.
For voters in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, the candidates’ records, political platforms and past legal controversies are likely to become central issues as parties compete for control of two of South Africa’s most influential metros.
