The Cape Town mayoral race is heating up as political parties unveil their candidates for the 4 November local government elections.
The City of Cape Town has been governed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) since 2006, with the party maintaining majority support in the metropolitan municipality. The city has often been praised for its governance and audit performance.
However, inequality remains a major challenge, with some residents living in informal settlements without reliable access to water, proper sanitation and electricity. Affordability is also a concern, as rising living costs and property prices put pressure on residents.
With smaller parties seeking to expand their support and competition from parties such as the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and ActionSA, the DA faces a contest to retain control of the metro.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE CAPE TOWN MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Geordin Hill-Lewis – Democratic Alliance
Geordin Hill-Lewis is the incumbent mayor of Cape Town and the DA’s federal leader. He is seeking another term as the party attempts to retain control of the municipality.
The DA will be looking to defend its record in the city while addressing concerns about service delivery, inequality and the cost of living.
Cape Town’s SWAT and Drone Unit have arrived 🚨👏
— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) October 7, 2026
Highly skilled SWAT and drone teams are now ready to help SAPS tackle gang violence, extortion and violent crime.
Next up, we will build a Metro Police Detective Unit and keep fighting for the power to investigate crime so we… pic.twitter.com/YaFktZlfAY
Nontando Nolutshungu – Economic Freedom Fighters
Nontando Nolutshungu, the EFF’s national chairperson and a Member of Parliament, is the party’s mayoral candidate for Cape Town.
The EFF will be seeking to expand its support in the metro and advance its political programme in the city.
The DA cannot continue selling well-located municipal land to private developers for developments that working-class communities cannot afford.
— Nontando Nolutshungu (@Nolutshungu_N) September 11, 2026
We must use public land strategically to expand affordable housing and dismantle apartheid spatial planning.
Catch the full… pic.twitter.com/7DnMIdE2jt
Dereleen James – ActionSA
Dereleen James, a Member of Parliament for ActionSA, has been selected as the party’s mayoral candidate for Cape Town.
ActionSA is seeking to strengthen its presence in the metro and challenge the DA’s long-standing dominance.
Cape Town continue's to show me that this is a city with heart, compassion, love and diversity! I love this for me! 🥹🥰#VoteActionSA pic.twitter.com/HvOv0BL4ai
— Dereleen James MP (@DereleenJ) October 11, 2026
Brett Herron – GOOD Party and Rise Mzansi
Brett Herron, the secretary-general of the GOOD Party, is the joint mayoral candidate for GOOD and Rise Mzansi.
The partnership aims to offer voters an alternative in the city’s mayoral contest.
Mother & son snap at @mothercitydoc screening… pic.twitter.com/Tt8znFQpGG
— Brett Herron 🇿🇦🍉 (@brettherron) October 3, 2026
Cheslyn Daniels – Patriotic Alliance
Cheslyn Daniels is the Patriotic Alliance’s mayoral candidate for Cape Town.
The PA will be seeking to build on its support in the city as it competes with established parties for votes in the upcoming local government elections.
🔥 CAPE TOWN, TOMORROW WE RISE! 💚🇿🇦
— Patriotic Alliance (@OnsBaizaNie) October 10, 2026
Join PA President @GaytonMcK and Mayoral Candidate Cheslyn Daniels for the Cape Metro Manifesto Launch!
📍 Highlands Primary, Mitchells Plain
🗓️ Sun, 11 Oct | 15:00
Cape Town, the PA is ready!#OnsBaizaNie #MaakToe #Vision2026 pic.twitter.com/wOlZ48FGmL
The African National Congress (ANC) is yet to announce its mayoral candidate for the metro.