The political temperature in Gauteng is rising fast, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have finally broken their silence on one of the most persistent rumours circulating in the corridors of power. For weeks, whispers have suggested that the charismatic former Member of Parliament, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, might be making a dramatic comeback as the party’s mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg. However, the Red Berets have now moved to squash the speculation, insisting that no such talks are currently on the table.
EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini addressed these claims head-on, dismissing the idea that the party is secretly plotting Ndlozi’s return to the municipal spotlight. Speaking ahead of a major party event, Dlamini made it clear that the EFF operates on its own timeline and will not be pressured by the moves of its rivals.
The clarification comes at a critical moment. With the 2026 local government elections looming, political parties are scrambling to position themselves for what promises to be a brutal battle for control of Gauteng’s economic heartland. The City of Johannesburg, along with the City of Ekurhuleni and the City of Tshwane, are expected to be the fiercest battlegrounds, and every party is looking for a heavy hitter to lead their campaign.
While the EFF plays its cards close to its chest, other parties have already shown their hand. The opposition has intensified its campaigning efforts significantly. ActionSA has confirmed that its leader, Herman Mashaba, will once again run for the mayoral chain. Mashaba is a familiar face to Joburg residents, having previously served as mayor from August 2016 to November 2019.
Joining Mashaba in the declared race are two other high-profile figures: the Democratic Alliance’s formidable federal council chairperson, Helen Zille, and the colourful Kenny Kunene, who is currently serving as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in the metro. The political landscape is becoming crowded, with the MK Party also indicating that it will reveal its candidate before April. Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) remains undecided, yet to confirm if they will stick with the incumbent mayor, Dada Morero, or nominate a fresh face.
Amidst this flurry of announcements, Dlamini emphasised that the EFF refuses to be reactive. Speaking to SABC News, he explained the party’s deliberate approach to selecting leadership.
“First, we had to go to a plenary where we sit and have a plan of what becomes the programme of action for the year, and that's exactly what we did, because what you don't want is to be reactive and just follow each and every political party, then you're going to lose focus,” Dlamini said.
He further elaborated on the internal mechanics of the party, rejecting the notion that decisions are made in secret by a select few.
“You have to work on your own plans that talk to you about how you are structured as an organisation, making sure that all your structures are ready, and we did that at the end of February,” he noted. “We went to a planner because, as an organisation, we're a unitary organisation, but we're also an organisation that believes we have to make sure there is consultation within the structure so that we can come up with decisions… So we don't announce candidates from some backroom.”
This strategic patience from the EFF comes as they prepare to launch a massive voter registration campaign. The launch is scheduled to take place this Saturday, March 12, at the party’s headquarters in Marshalltown, Johannesburg. This event is part of a broader, nationwide programme aimed at mobilising eligible voters well ahead of the 2026 polls.
The stakes for the upcoming election could not be higher for the residents of Johannesburg. The city is currently grappling with a multitude of severe service delivery challenges that have left ratepayers frustrated and angry. Daily life in the metro is marred by water and electricity shortages, a road network riddled with potholes, and deteriorating infrastructure. Residents also face the health hazard of uncollected refuse, while navigating streets with non-functioning lights and traffic signals.
The contest for the mayoral seat is therefore not just about political power, but about who can practically fix a breaking city. While the DA, ActionSA, and others have put their champions forward, the EFF’s dismissal of the Ndlozi rumours leaves a gap in the narrative.
Supporters and critics alike are now watching closely to see who the EFF will eventually trust to contest the country’s most important economic hub. For now, however, the party insists it will stick to its own internal processes and schedule, ignoring the noise from the opposition benches. As Dlamini made clear, they will not be rushed, and they certainly won’t be following the crowd. The race for Joburg is on, but the EFF is running at its own pace.
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