Frank Chikane withdraws from ANC mayoral race in Johannesburg, sources say

Reverend Frank Chikane has withdrawn from the contest to be the ANC’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, according to The Citizen. The publication reported the development on 21 August 2026 as party structures worked to finalise a candidate ahead of the local government elections.

Family concerns cited for withdrawal

According to The Citizen, Chikane’s family advised him not to continue with the process, saying they were concerned about his “health, safety and the general state of the city.”

Selection process remains unsettled

The Citizen reported that the Greater Johannesburg Region had nominated Chikane as one of three candidates recommended to the ANC’s top structures. The name of former Deputy Minister of Finance Jabu Moleketi was also mentioned as a potential candidate, according to The Citizen.

The publication said both Dada Morero and Loyiso Masuku went through the interview stages in the party’s selection process and were hoping to be chosen when an announcement was due. The Citizen added that national officials had been in and out of meetings and that, even on Thursday, it was not clear who would become the mayoral candidate.

Support and factional divisions

According to The Citizen, Chikane had been viewed as a credible candidate because of his clean track record and his outspokenness on clean governance and corruption. The Citizen noted that Chikane is the chairperson of the ANC’s integrity commission and had received backing from senior party figures including Naledi Pandor.

The Citizen also reported that the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) has backed Loyiso Masuku, saying Masuku is young and should be the party’s mayoral candidate.

What happens next

With Chikane’s reported withdrawal and names still under consideration, The Citizen described the situation as fluid as the ANC finalises its candidate list for Johannesburg ahead of the 4 November 2026 local government elections.