Bongani Baloyi, the youngest mayor in South Africa, is poised to run for mayor again with the uMkhonto weSizwe Party after leaving the Democratic Alliance (DA). The municipal elections are scheduled for 4 November 2026 in Johannesburg.
Baloyi became the youngest mayor in South Africa in 2013 at age 26. He left the DA in 2021 after a successful stint as mayor of Midvaal. In 2023, he founded his own party but deregistered it and joined MK in September 2024.
Baloyi is expected to be a strong candidate in the upcoming Johannesburg mayoral race. He has been credited with establishing trade relations with a city in China during his tenure as mayor. Additionally, he implemented community food gardening projects and reduced land-use application wait times in Midvaal.
Supporters within the MK Party have praised Baloyi’s past leadership experience. A senior party member stated, “Bongani is competent and highly intelligent. He’s been a mayor before; he’s got experience. He’s definitely a good comrade.”
The DA acknowledged Baloyi’s departure, saying, “We have noted that Bongani is pursuing other opportunities after a decade-long career in politics. We wish him well and throw our support fully behind him.”
Baloyi expressed enthusiasm about joining MK, stating, “For us we have found a home. uMkhonto resonates with us.” His political future remains uncertain as he prepares for another campaign.
