Activist and media personality Ntsiki Mazwai announced on X on Wednesday 8 July 2026 that she is running for Mayor of Johannesburg under the Land Party ahead of the 4 November 2026 local government elections. Image: @miss_ntsiki_mazwai on Instagram
Activist and media personality Ntsiki Mazwai is running for Mayor of Johannesburg under the Land Party. The Ntsiki Mazwai Land Party Johannesburg mayor announcement appeared on her X account on Wednesday 8 July 2026. Furthermore, Mazwai described the Land Party as her new political home after the party approached her for over a year. As a result, one of South Africa’s most outspoken public voices has entered the 2026 local government elections race for the country’s economic capital.
Ntsiki Mazwai Land Party Johannesburg Mayor: What She Said
Mazwai made the announcement directly on X. “Introducing you to my new political home. VOTE LAND PARTY. VOTE NTSIKI MAZWAI FOR JOBURG MAYOR,” she posted. Furthermore, she clarified what led to the decision. “I wasn’t approached by ATM, I was approached by the Land Party. Many times. For over a year and I finally said yes,” she said. As a result, the announcement ends speculation that she had been in talks with the African Transformation Movement.
What the Land Party Stands For
The Land Party outlined its policy positions alongside Mazwai’s candidacy. The party advocates for a 90% local workforce and 10% foreign nationals in businesses within the City of Johannesburg. Furthermore, it opposes porous borders on the grounds that they pose a security threat to South Africa and its citizens. As a result, the Land Party’s platform aligns with the anti-illegal immigration sentiment that dominated South African public discourse in 2026.
On economic policy, the Land Party promises business startup support for young entrepreneurs. It plans to offer rates-free status for two years to newly established small businesses. Furthermore, the party says it will reclaim hijacked buildings in Johannesburg. The City would deploy weekly inspectors to check business compliance with the 90% local workforce policy. As a result, enforcement is central to the party’s economic vision.
Who Is Ntsiki Mazwai
Ntsiki Mazwai is one of South Africa’s most recognisable public figures. She is a poet, activist, media personality and host of the Moya Podcast. She has commented on South African politics for more than a decade, covering gender-based violence, Black consciousness, immigration and the ANC’s failures. Furthermore, she previously associated with the MK Party before distancing herself from that relationship. As a result, her political journey has been closely watched by South Africans who see her as an independent and unpredictable voice.
Her decision to run for Mayor of Johannesburg carries real weight. Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and its economic engine. The mayoral race for 4 November 2026 is expected to be one of the most contested in the country. Furthermore, Mazwai brings a public profile and social media following that most smaller party candidates cannot match. As a result, her entry into the race will draw significant attention to the Land Party.
The Broader Political Context of the Ntsiki Mazwai Land Party Campaign
Mazwai’s announcement comes at a charged political moment. The 2026 local government elections on 4 November are shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. The DA recently welcomed Liam Jacobs back. ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba has been vocal on immigration. The ANC faces pressure to hold its position in Johannesburg’s metro council. Furthermore, the immigration debate that dominated June 2026 has reshaped the political landscape heading into the campaign season. As a result, a candidate running on local jobs and anti-illegal immigration may find a ready audience in a city where those issues have generated intense public feeling.
For more on the 2026 local government elections visit elections.org.za.
Editors Note All information in this article is based on Ntsiki Mazwai’s public posts on X on 8 July 2026 and the Land Party’s official campaign announcement. Mzansi Today Live will update this article as further information becomes available.