CAPE TOWN, Western Cape — The African Restoration Alliance (ARA) has officially entered the race for the Cape Town mayoral election 2026, contesting numerous wards across the city as part of the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE 2026). Established in late 2020, the growing political organization in the Western Cape is positioning servant leadership and equal service delivery as its foundational pillars to win over local voters.
Henry Van Der Zandt, the ARA’s mayoral candidate for the city, draws on his personal background to connect with the electorate. Born and raised in Mitchell’s Plain on the Cape Flats, Van Der Zandt asserts that he deeply understands the daily plight of residents. He describes the Cape Flats as a “vast forgotten area” that currently lacks concrete plans to curb violence, create employment, and build stronger communities.
According to the mayoral candidate, the primary objective is to restore the trust that citizens have lost in the government over the years. He criticized the current administration, questioning how leaders can forget the very people who placed them in power.
“When people put their trust in you, vote for you, and believe in you, how can you forget the people that placed you in power?” Van Der Zandt stated. “It’s appalling what they’re doing. When we come into power, my objective is to bring service delivery to all the community, to bring service delivery to all South Africans, and in particular, Capetonians.”
He emphasized that the party aims to include everyone and service every human being in the Western Cape, noting that while Cape Town is a powerful city with powerful people, opportunities must be created. “People are not asking for luxury in this country. They are asking for their dignity,” he added.
Security and Moral Decay
Addressing the core issues facing the city, Van Der Zandt highlighted security as the linchpin for all other service delivery improvements. While acknowledging the need to fix sanitation and water, he argued that a lack of security is the common denominator that breaks down these essential services.
“I believe that if we fix security, we will fix everything else,” he noted.
Furthermore, the candidate pointed to a broader societal issue, stating that the party’s first goal is to “bring God back into the city.” He cited visible moral decay across communities as a pressing concern that must be addressed alongside physical infrastructure.
Accountability and Ethical Leadership
Beyond service delivery, the African Restoration Alliance is placing a heavy emphasis on public accountability regarding budget spending. Donovan Wenn, the ARA’s Election Campaign Manager, explained that the party intends to keep a close watch on municipal finances through its local representatives.
“We want to know through our councillors what’s happening in your ward. Therefore, our councillors will be held responsible,” Wenn explained. He stressed that running a good city requires ethical leaders and declared a strict zero-tolerance policy for corruption.
“There will be no tolerance… if you feel that you’re going to take money, that will not be tolerated. Fraud will not be allowed,” Wenn asserted, adding that the party will take a strong stance against any councillor who fails to deliver or hinders service to the people.
As the LGE 2026 approaches, the ARA maintains that it is time for those elected to power to actively listen to the true needs of their communities. With a strong focus on tangible changes, safety, and ethical governance, the party hopes to secure the trust of Capetonians and make a significant impact across the Western Cape.
