2026 local government elections
Xolani Dlamini|Published
Three young candidates contesting wards in eThekwini and Mtubatuba outline plans to address water shortages, power outages, crime, unemployment and municipal accountability.
Thabani Ndlovu of Democratic Alliance (DA) and Mendi Gumede of UMkhonto Wesizwe (MK Party), are both contesting eThekwini’s Ward 99 in Umkomaas, Magabheni and Malundi Township, while Thabani Mbhele of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) contests Mtubatuba’s Ward 5 in Hammarsdale, Sankontshe and Georgedale.
As South Africans prepare to go to the polls on November 4, a new wave of young candidates seek to reshape the political landscape by bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to municipal councils.
Running under various political party banners, the candidates pledged to tackle service delivery challenges, improve community safety and find modern solutions to long-standing problems.
They believe introducing young leaders with fresh energy and innovative thinking into municipal councils could strengthen local government and improve service delivery.
The sundaytribune.co.za profiled candidates across the political spectrum to find out exactly what they plan to deliver for your neighbourhood.
Democratic Alliance
Ndlovu, 35, said that if elected, he would prioritise addressing the street lights issue that has reportedly remained unattended for more than four years in the ward.
"I will push both Eskom and eThekwini to finalise a plan for maintaining the street lights so that the community will feel safer, especially at night and for businesses to operate longer hours. The second issue is water tankers that supply the community with water," said Ndlovu who was born and bred in Umlazi.
He said currently there was no clear schedule provided to the community, claiming that water tankers were allocated along party lines.
"When residents are in desperate need of water. I will ensure a fair process for water provision. I will also prioritise restoration of Umkomaas Community Hall. That hall is currently not operational as it is dilapidated," he said
Ndlovu is not a new newcomer in politics since he joined the DA in July 2016.
Before entering politics, Ndlovu spent several years working in journalism. He started at Inanda FM in 2011 as an intern and worked his way up to becoming a news editor.
"Journalism taught me the importance of asking difficult questions, listening to ordinary people, understanding communities and holding those in positions of power accountable. After six years in the media, I made the decision to leave broadcasting and enter politics,” he said.
Ndlovu joined the DA working in the party's Research and Communications department. He described this journey as an important period in his life because it allowed him to combine his journalism background with political research, communications and public advocacy.
In 2017, Ndlovu became a DA's Sisonke Constituency Officer under the Harry Gwala District.
Later in 2018, he took on the responsibility of Group Campaigns Coordinator in uMkhanyakude and in 2020, Ndlovu was appointed DA KZN Provincial Campaigns and Operations Manager.
After years of working behind the scenes, 2023 marked another major turning point when Ndlovu became a PR Councillor for the DA in eThekwini Municipality.
Ndlovu's political responsibilities continued to grow as he served as the DA eThekwini Caucus Spokesperson, DA Whip in the Finance Committee, media coordinator and, most importantly, DA Durban South Constituency Chairperson.
He currently lives with his family in Ward 99, the ward he is contesting, which covers Umkomaas, Craigieburn, Roseneath, Magabheni, Ehlanzeni, Amahlongwa and Crowder Farm.
He believes this ward has much potential but needs leadership with vision that will unite people and treat them with respect.
"I strongly believe that I am that leader. I am ready to take this ward to greater heights working with all stakeholders. I do appreciate that the municipality faces financial challenges, which often hinders getting some projects off the ground. All projects are important; however, some need urgent attention. My consideration will be mainly driven by the urgency of the project and the circumstances surrounding it," Ndlovu explained.
"I will encourage representation from all communities and ensure regular physical meetings with the community.
Ndlovu's mandate is to create jobs, keep the community safe, and grow the local economy.
He vowed to ensure that all opportunities are shared transparently and fairly in the ward.
MK Party
Gumede, 29, was born and raised in the London Farm informal settlement in Roseneath, Umkomaas.
She developed a passion for politics that led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and English Studies.
She later obtained an Honours degree in English Studies, followed by a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), and is currently working as a teacher.
Gumede revealed that she fell in love with the MK Party in December 2023 when former president Jacob Zuma announced that he would be voting for the party.
"I started working on the ground, doing grassroots mobilisation from January 2024. I became the ward admin that same year and worked tirelessly to give the MK a structure and base in the ward," she said.
Gumede spearheaded the sourcing of an MK office in the local CBD which has been the party's base ever since.
She was appointed as campaign officer and then Ward Coordinator shortly before the national elections.
In June 2026, Gumede was appointed by the community as the MK Party's ward councillor candidate in the ward.
She vowed to fight against social injustice, selective service delivery, nepotism, societal neglect and many other governance mishaps in the ward.
Gumede believes that she is capable of correcting and making Ward 99 vibrant and great.
"I will prioritise fixing water and electricity outages in the ward. The current infrastructure cannot support the ward's current population, so a permanent solution is of utmost importance at this stage. Another pressing service delivery issue is sanitation in most parts of the ward," she said.
Gumede disclosed she had run a “Take me to Tertiary” programme that assisted 72 young people in the ward with applications to colleges, universities and NSFAS.
"I have renovated a pensioner's house that had no windows for about 10 years. I hosted a blanket drive for 50 pensioners on Mother’s Day, and I also erected a fallen fence at a local school. I hosted a breakfast initiative for pensioners on SASSA payout day," she said.
Gumede dreams of empowering local businesses to stimulate the economy and create more jobs.
"It is crucial to invest in essential business skills development programmes for local business owners so that they are financially literate and understand all business operations (management, bookkeeping, customer service, stock taking, business registrations and marketing)," she added.
She promises to fight nepotism, crime and corruption if voted into the councillor position.
Inkatha Freedom Party
Mbhele, 29, said he chose to join the party because of its emphasis on respect, service delivery and ensuring community safety.
He is contesting Ward 5 in Mtubatuba.
"I am the candidate who believes in accountability, changing people's lives, and keeping the community safe. When voted into the ward councillor position, I will ensure young people get relevant skills so they can get jobs and establish their businesses," he said.
He highlighted how he had changed many people's lives since he joined IFP in 2009.
"I contested the ward I was born and bred at. I know the needs of the people live in this ward, and I believe that I am an excellent person for the councillor job," said Mbhele
He said rest assured he will tackle the lack of jobs, proper roads, water and power in the area if ward residents give him a chance.
"To ensure that people in my ward get enough water, I will bring Jojo tanks and create boreholes. I will also work with Umkhanyakude District Municipality to fast track water project so that out people will get clean water from the taps" he said
Mbhele highlighted that he will also work with the local municipality and business sector to ensure the roads are of a high standard.
Mbhele revealed that he established the NPO Siyanakekela Community Initiative 5 years ago with the aim of changing lives.
"Since I started this NPO, I have changed many people's lives. The initiative has assisted over 300 poor pupils with school uniforms, and provided relevant skills to more than 50 young people. We also assisted the local Sibiya family with material to rebuild after losing a house to fire and built a house for pensioners," he said, hoping to help more when he becomes a councillor.