The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has selected former Midvaal mayor Bongani Baloyi as its mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Baloyi was unveiled as part of a group of six candidates who will contest metropolitan mayoral positions for the MK Party.
The candidates were announced during a media briefing held by the party in Durban.
Baloyi brings previous local government experience to the Johannesburg race, having served as mayor of the Midvaal Local Municipality.
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Among the other candidates unveiled was MK Member of Parliament Thulani Shongwe, who will contest the mayoral position in Ekurhuleni.
The party said the selection of its candidates was an important step in its preparations for the upcoming local government elections.
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“The endorsement of these candidates, marks an important step towards consolidating the party’s electoral campaign and providing voters with real leadership choices for the 2026 local government elections.”
The announcement places Baloyi at the centre of the MK Party’s campaign in Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s most closely watched metropolitan municipalities.
Bongani Baloyi Brings Mayoral Experience To Johannesburg Race
Baloyi’s previous experience in local government is expected to form part of his campaign as the MK Party seeks to expand its presence in Gauteng’s major metros.
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His nomination comes as political parties prepare for the 2026 local government elections, with Johannesburg expected to be a key battleground.
The MK Party will now focus on building its campaign in the metro as it seeks to persuade Johannesburg voters to support its candidate and broader local government programme.
