As South Africa’s political landscape begins to shift in preparation for the 2026 local government elections, former Mayor Mashaba, Herman Mashaba, has addressed growing speculation about his potential return to the mayoral seat in Johannesburg. While some political figures are already positioning themselves for candidacy, Mashaba has made it clear that he is currently more focused on building leadership within his party, ActionSA.
Herman Mashaba, who served as the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg from 2016 to 2019, is no stranger to political speculation. After resigning from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and launching ActionSA, many have kept a close eye on whether he might re-enter the race for Johannesburg in the next municipal election.
However, former Mayor Mashaba has shrugged off such suggestions for now, stating that his focus is on grooming new leaders within ActionSA rather than personally contesting for the mayoral office.
While political parties gear up for the 2026 local government elections, including the DA, which has already begun its internal selection process for candidates in the country’s four major metros, Mashaba maintains that ActionSA has yet to finalize its mayoral candidates.
Former Mayor Mashaba Calls for Ethical Leadership
The Democratic Alliance is among the first parties to initiate its candidate selection process for the upcoming local government elections. Helen Zille, the DA’s federal council chairperson, recently revealed that she had been approached to consider running for mayor of Johannesburg—a development that has further fueled interest in who else might contest for the influential position.
In response, former Mayor Mashaba acknowledged Zille’s revelation but chose not to comment on potential candidates or offer names from ActionSA who might be in the running.
“At ActionSA, we are committed to identifying and supporting ethical, competent leaders,” said Mashaba. “We haven’t made any official announcements, but when the time comes, we will support candidates who align with the party’s values and have the capacity to govern effectively.”
Although the political spotlight has turned toward Johannesburg’s next mayor, former Mayor Mashaba emphasized that his party is still in the process of building internal capacity and preparing its strategy for the 2026 elections. According to him, rather than stepping back into a mayoral role himself, he is more interested in empowering new leadership within ActionSA.
“I’d rather support and elevate other capable leaders in our movement who can carry the vision forward,” he said.
Mashaba has been vocal about creating a political platform that challenges the status quo and brings ethical governance to South African municipalities. His party has grown steadily since its inception, particularly in urban areas where dissatisfaction with service delivery and local governance remains high.
In his recent comments, former Mayor Mashaba also touched on broader themes of leadership and national identity. He emphasized the importance of ethical governance and the need to dismantle the harmful narrative that questions the capabilities of black South Africans.
“I’m excited about the future of my country and confident that one day, we’ll have a nation where black people can be proud of having proved that the narrative suggesting we are not capable is false,” said Mashaba. “It is highly possible—we just need ethical leaders who are prepared to work.”
His statement reflects the core ethos of ActionSA, which has consistently called for competence, accountability, and citizen-focused governance.
As the country moves closer to the next local government elections, the mayoral race in Johannesburg is already shaping up to be one of the most watched and hotly contested battles. With parties like the DA taking early steps to solidify their candidates and ActionSA expected to play a significant role, all eyes will be on who steps forward to lead South Africa’s economic hub.
Former Mayor Mashaba may not be declaring a candidacy at this stage, but his influence on the political discourse and strategic direction of ActionSA ensures that he remains a key player in shaping Johannesburg’s future.
Whether or not he returns to the mayoral seat, Mashaba’s legacy and vision will undoubtedly influence the party’s choice and the broader election narrative.
While former Mayor Mashaba is not currently in the running, his leadership of ActionSA ensures he will remain central to the political dynamics in Johannesburg and beyond. As parties continue to prepare for the 2026 local government elections, Mashaba’s experience, voice, and vision for ethical governance are likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future leadership.
Stay tuned for updates as the race for Johannesburg’s mayoral seat unfolds, and as Action SA reveals its official slate of candidates.
Source- EWN
