Sisulu and Mandela descendants named as BOSA’s Joburg councillor hopefuls

Build One South Africa (BOSA) announced two new candidates for the upcoming municipal elections during a Thursday event on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, unveiling Ziyeka Sisulu and Thembela Mandela as part of its local government slate for the City of Johannesburg.

Who were unveiled

The party introduced Ziyeka Sisulu, identified in the announcement as a grandson of Walter and Albertina Sisulu, and Thembela Mandela, identified as a great-grandchild of former President Nelson Mandela. BOSA said both have applied to stand as ward candidates in the City of Johannesburg for the upcoming municipal elections.

Party framing and symbolism

BOSA described the recruitment as a milestone in what it called a new era of politics emphasising accountability, service delivery and rebuilding public trust. The party deliberately chose Vilakazi Street for the announcement, citing the location’s historical significance in South Africa’s liberation struggle.

Selection and responsibility

“It is about responsibility in the present – the responsibility to restore collapsing local government and rebuilding public trust in public representatives,”

BOSA spokesperson Roger Solomons said, stressing that selection was not based solely on family heritage but on a focus on current responsibilities.

Legacy and renewal

The party said the participation of descendants from two prominent political families represents a convergence of legacy and renewal, where lessons from the past can inform efforts to create a more accountable and responsive local government.

Party message

“A sanguine reminder that the struggle for freedom must now be matched by a struggle for functional governance and an economy that works for all South Africans,”

Solomons said, according to the announcement.

These additions form part of BOSA’s growing slate of candidates ahead of the 2026 local government elections.