THE battle for control of Johannesburg has gained another major contender after the African Transformation Movement (ATM) named its leader, Vuyolwethu Zungula, as its mayoral candidate.
Zungula was officially announced on Monday, 14 September 2026, as the ATM’s candidate to contest the Johannesburg mayoral position in the upcoming local government elections.
The announcement was made at Orlando Hall in Soweto as political parties stepped up their campaigns ahead of the 4 November 2026 local government elections.
Zungula, who is currently an ATM Member of Parliament and the party’s parliamentary leader, said he was prepared to leave Parliament if necessary to focus on his bid to lead Johannesburg.
The ATM says its campaign will focus on changing the way the country’s largest economic city is governed, with particular attention to economic opportunities, township businesses and support for local entrepreneurs.
Zungula has positioned himself as a candidate for change, arguing that Johannesburg needs a different approach to governance and economic development.
His nomination adds another political heavyweight to what is expected to be a fiercely contested mayoral race.
Johannesburg has become one of the country’s most important political battlegrounds, with several parties expected to fight for control of the council.
The city’s fragmented political landscape also means that no single party can take victory for granted. Coalition negotiations could once again determine who eventually occupies the mayoral office.
The ATM has also announced candidates for other major Gauteng municipalities. Mncedi Ndzwanana will contest the Tshwane mayoral race, while Velaphi Ndaba has been selected as the party’s candidate for Ekurhuleni.
For Zungula, the challenge is now to turn the ATM’s political support into enough votes to secure a strong position in Johannesburg’s next council.
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