Ahead of the upcoming 2026 Local Government Election, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on “passionate, committed and skilled individuals”, with local government knowledge, to stand as mayoral candidates for the City of Johannesburg, City of Ekurhuleni, City of Tshwane and Mangaung.

DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille explained that the DA was looking for the “very best candidates” to stand for these crucial leadership positions, and those wishing to apply would go though a thorough process over the coming months, in the first round of applications.

She noted that the candidates must be willing to do “everything they can” to prevent corruption and the collapse of services in those metros.

Zille explained that the applicants would be interviewed and scored with questions posed to them randomly drawn from a pre-approved bank of questions to ensure the integrity of the process.

The successful candidate must thereafter be approved by the Federal Executive, she said.

Zille said additional rounds of mayoral candidate applications will open, for other metros and municipalities.

The DA approaches the upcoming Local Government Election with the intention to govern these metros.

Applicants can apply at the following link - https://apply.voteda.org – by the March 31 deadline.