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Ntsiki Mazwai enters Joburg mayoral race

todayJuly 9, 2026 16

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Media personality and poet, Nontsikelelo “Ntsiki” Mazwai, has officially thrown her hat into the ring for the Johannesburg mayoral race, promising to rebuild the city “street by street, community by community, block by block.”

The Land Party unveiled Mazwai as its mayoral candidate on Wednesday, with the outspoken activist saying she could no longer remain on the sidelines while Johannesburg continued to deteriorate.

Mazwai said she has watched “with deep pain” as leaders entrusted with the city’s future allowed it to fall into neglect and lawlessness. She says Johannesburg, once regarded as a city of opportunity, has been reduced to a shadow of its former self.

As part of her campaign, Mazwai has pledged to introduce a transparent service delivery tracker, redevelop Alexandra township block by block, attract responsible investment while prioritising South African workers, establish a 24-hour economy, repair roads and critical infrastructure, and improve public safety.

Among her proposals is a labour market made up of 90% South African workers and 10% foreign nationals, coupled with incentives for businesses that employ and train local residents.

“I want new businesses to receive free electricity and water for the first two years so they can establish themselves, create jobs, and then contribute fairly.”

“I want Johannesburg to once again be a world-class destination where people from across the globe meet, trade, and do business, supported by top-class logistics infrastructure, foreign investment, and cutting-edge technology.”

“I want a technologically advanced city that is clean, safe, and prosperous, a city that can proudly compete with the best in the world, from Shanghai to Moscow.”

Mazwai will cross swords with the likes of the DA’s Helen Zille, PA’s Kenny Kunene and ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba amongst others.

“I want new businesses to receive free electricity and water for the first two years so they can establish themselves, create jobs and then contribute fairly,” she said.

Mazwai also said she wants Johannesburg to reclaim its status as a leading global city.

“I want Johannesburg to once again be a world-class destination where people from across the globe meet, trade and do business, supported by top-class logistics infrastructure, foreign investment and cutting-edge technology.”

“I want a technologically advanced city that is clean, safe and prosperous – a city that can proudly compete with the best in the world, from Shanghai to Moscow.”

Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza

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