JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — The Afrika Mayibuye Movement (AMM) has officially announced its key Gauteng mayoral candidates as party leader Floyd Shivambu ramps up preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Marking its first anniversary, the political movement unveiled its contenders for some of the province’s most fiercely contested metros, signaling a major organizational push in the upcoming municipal polls.
With just two months remaining until election day, the party is finalizing its electoral strategy. While Shivambu remained tight-lipped regarding the movement’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, he confirmed other high-profile nominations. Prince Mokotedi has been named as the party’s face in Tshwane, while Themba Lukhele, affectionately known to supporters as “Skeem GP,” will lead the ticket in the Ekurhuleni Metro.
According to Shivambu, these candidates were selected following an intensive and extensive consultation process with local communities, members, and supporters. The party prides itself on this grassroots-driven approach to candidate selection.
Addressing a gathering of party members, Shivambu also took a pointed swipe at his political opponents. He confidently dismissed the prospects of rival figures securing the Johannesburg mayoral position, declaring that neither “Helen Zille” nor “Frank Chikane” would become the mayor of the city, and adding that “the less said about others, the better.”
The anniversary event also highlighted the movement’s rapid expansion. Despite being only 12 months old, the Afrika Mayibuye Movement has registered to contest in 4,368 wards across South Africa. In Gauteng Province alone, the party will field 557 candidates, aiming to contest in almost all municipalities across the country.
Looking ahead, Shivambu announced that the party will officially deliver its message of promises to the electorate during its manifesto launch, scheduled for the 19th of September in Tshwane.
