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Former Public Protector and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party member Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane has expressed interest in becoming the next mayor of Johannesburg, saying she has the expertise to “turn things around” in the troubled metro.
Speaking in a recent interview, Mkhwebane, who is the MK Party’s convener in Mpumalanga, said she believes she is well-positioned to step into the role should the opportunity arise.
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Mkhwebane was removed as Public Protector in 2023 by President Cyril Ramaphosa on grounds of misconduct and incompetence.
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She made it clear that the decision ultimately lies with MK Party leader former President Jacob Zuma. “I think that will be up to the president. Actually, it’s not MK Party, it’s the president who decides. I must say I’m more than capable of doing any work, especially after six years, seven, 11 months as Public Protector. My record speaks for itself,” she said.
She added that although she is open to the mayoral race, she will abide by the party’s final call. “Now they have deployed me in Mpumalanga, and it’s up to them.”
Mkhwebane Highlights Governance Experience for Joburg Turnaround
The former Public Protector pointed to her extensive background investigating maladministration, service delivery failures and corruption within state institutions. She argued that such experience positions her to tackle Johannesburg’s long-standing challenges.
“To be hands-on, to be on the ground, especially with local government, you need somebody who understands the needs of communities, listens to the public, and works with them. Service delivery protests often happen because authorities fail to listen,” she said.
She emphasised the need for competent senior appointments, especially Section 56 managers, to strengthen departments such as water and sanitation. “I was also once a public servant up to the level of chief director. We need people who are committed, service delivery-orientated, and available to listen to the public,” she added.
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Joburg Mayoral Race Heats Up Ahead of 2026 Elections
The Johannesburg mayoral contest is already gaining momentum ahead of the 2026 local government polls. Thus far, two candidates have formally entered the race: Democratic Alliance federal council chairperson Helen Zille and Patriotic Alliance MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene.
The city continues to grapple with severe service delivery problems, including unreliable water and electricity supply, pothole-ridden roads, uncollected refuse and widespread malfunctioning of streetlights and traffic signals.
The ANC has yet to confirm whether incumbent mayor Dada Morero will stay on or be replaced. Morero has previously said the decision rests with the party.
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ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has also hinted he may run if the party cannot nominate a candidate such as City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya or Ekurhuleni’s mayoral hopeful Xolani Dlamini.
Mkhwebane criticised both Zille and Kunene, accusing them of favouring specific communities. She claimed Zille would “not be bothered at Hillbrow, where there is hijacking, lack of services, and crime,” and suggested Kunene would focus primarily on coloured communities.
She also criticised the ANC, saying the party had failed to uplift Johannesburg residents over the past decade. “Implementing bylaws, creating employment within the municipality, ensuring cleanliness, and maintaining service points are very simple service delivery issues that remain unaddressed,” she said.
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