Durban – Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) president Velenkosini Hlabisa has announced 36-year-old Mlungisi Mabaso as the party’s mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg ahead of the November municipal elections.
Mabaso, currently the city’s MMC for Human Settlements and national secretary of the IFP Youth Brigade, is the youngest candidate in the Johannesburg mayoral race, where he will compete against Helen Zille and Herman Mashaba.
In his acceptance speech, Mabaso said youth empowerment would be a key priority, arguing that his nomination reflects the IFP’s commitment to developing young leaders.
WATCH | The IFP has unveiled Mlungisi Mabaso as its mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg ahead of the November municipal elections. He is on the podium, saying the party wants to develop young people. pic.twitter.com/kyHi18IVOS
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 16, 2026
He also outlined plans to upgrade sports and recreational facilities, support anti-drug and youth development programmes, promote township tourism, and revive Johannesburg’s status as a leading African cultural and economic hub.
Known for campaigns against hijacked buildings and housing fraud, Mabaso said the IFP wants to restore service delivery, discipline, and pride in the city.
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa says the City of Gold has lost its shine. He was speaking to delegates gathered in Soweto, where the party announced Mlungisi Mabaso as its Johannesburg mayoral candidate. Tune in to #eNCA, channel #DStv403. pic.twitter.com/eR4NKsMekG
— eNCA (@eNCA) May 16, 2026
Hlabisa said the party was intentionally focusing its efforts on Johannesburg because of its importance as South Africa’s economic centre, adding that “if Johannesburg is working, South Africa will work.”
He also confirmed that the IFP would soon announce mayoral candidates for Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
