NELSON MANDELA BAY, Eastern Cape — The upcoming Nelson Mandela Bay Local Government Elections 2026 are shaping up to be a highly contested political battleground, with smaller parties and independent candidates stepping into the spotlight. As residents demand reliable basic services, job creation, and accountable leadership, a diverse array of emerging political movements is offering fresh alternatives to the traditional political establishment ahead of the November polls.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Metro comprises 60 wards with 120 council seats up for grabs. In a highly fragmented political landscape, a total of 38 political parties and nine independent candidates have registered to contest. Service delivery failures, high unemployment, and a perceived lack of accountability remain the central themes driving the local political debate.
Among the newcomers is the 1812 Movement, which has its stronghold in the northern areas. The party’s vision centers on transforming the metro into a hub of development, with a specific focus on uplifting Shivville and giving a political voice to the residents of Kariega and Despatch.
Julian Julies, President of the 1812 Movement, outlined a self-funded grassroots strategy to address these systemic issues. “Our plan is to build out of our own money a skills developing center, a community center with a place for shelter for the broader community so that we can have a supportive system in place,” Julies explained. He added that this infrastructure is designed to empower residents by creating direct jobs, internships, apprenticeships, and securing bursaries for the community.
Employment opportunities for local residents is also the cornerstone of the Mayibuye Civil Movement’s campaign. The group has recently staged protests regarding the employment of asylum seekers, alleging that foreign nationals are taking jobs meant for locals.
Thukela Zumani, President of the Mayibuye Civil Movement (MCM), criticized local businesses for what he described as the exploitative hiring of foreign nationals over South Africans. “The jobs for locals initiative [identified that] businesses all over the metro and the Eastern Cape and the country at large are participating in the horrendous exercise or practice of employing illegal foreigners over local South Africans,” Zumani stated. He alleged that businesses favor these workers because they are “more susceptible to the extortion and the exploitation that big business wants to impact upon our people.”
Making its debut in the metro is the Christian Kingdom Party (CKP), which argues that resolving the crisis in water and electricity supply is the key to turning the municipality around. Kenneth Tyika, Eastern Cape Chairperson of the CKP, framed the metro’s challenges—including rising crime and poorly managed infrastructure—as issues requiring divine intervention.
“If you believe when you look at crime that the city is facing, when you look at the poor infrastructure… it’s very easy for you to come to the conclusion that indeed we need God to intervene in the state of affairs of the metro,” Tyika said. “If you share that sentiment, we are saying we are here. God has sent his men to come and represent him in the municipality.”
On the other end of the spectrum is the Azanian People’s Organisation (AZAPO), one of the oldest political parties on the ballot, which is contesting in all wards. Despite its long history, the party is focusing its campaign heavily on the next generation.
Chris Swepu, AZAPO’s Nelson Mandela Bay Mayoral Candidate, emphasized a strategy centered on youth empowerment rather than relying on veteran politicians. “Our focus is on young people… these are brilliant young people. We do not see why we must have recycled old candidates,” Swepu noted. He stressed that the party is investing in the youth “not as a future but as current leaders of society.”
With 38 parties and nine independents vying for the 120 council seats across 60 wards, the Nelson Mandela Bay Local Government Elections 2026 promise a dynamic and competitive race, as voters weigh these diverse platforms against the urgent need for a municipal turnaround.
