At 31, Lwazi Pakade could become the ANC’s youngest Cape Town mayoral candidate

Cape Town – At just 31 years old, ANC ward councillor Lwazi Pakade is emerging as one of the frontrunners to become the African National Congress’ youngest-ever mayoral candidate for the City of Cape Town ahead of the 2026 local government elections. ANC Hunts Capable Mayors

Pakade is among four candidates being considered by the ANC as it seeks to rejuvenate its leadership in the Western Cape and mount a stronger challenge against the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has governed Cape Town since 2006.

Young leader with growing political profile

Pakade first made headlines ahead of the 2021 local government elections when he became the ANC’s youngest ward councillor in Cape Town after winning a public nomination process. Since then, he has built a reputation as one of the party’s emerging young leaders, particularly through his work in Langa.

His possible nomination is seen as part of the ANC’s effort to attract younger voters while presenting a new generation of leadership capable of reconnecting with residents in South Africa’s second-largest metropolitan municipality.

ANC seeks to rebuild support

The ANC has struggled to gain significant electoral ground in Cape Town over the past two decades, with the DA maintaining its dominance in the metro.

As preparations intensify for the 2026 local government elections, the ANC is looking for a candidate capable of energising its campaign and improving its electoral performance.

Pakade’s youth, grassroots political experience and community engagement have positioned him as one of the party’s promising contenders.

Challenge ahead

Should Pakade secure the ANC nomination, he would face a significant challenge in attempting to unseat the DA in Cape Town.

The city’s current political landscape remains highly competitive, with the DA continuing to enjoy strong support across much of the metro. The ANC hopes that a younger leadership team could help broaden its appeal in communities where it has traditionally struggled to gain traction.

Decision still pending

The ANC has not yet announced its final mayoral candidate, with internal selection processes continuing ahead of the municipal elections.

If chosen, Pakade would make history as the youngest person ever nominated by the ANC to contest the Cape Town mayoralty, reflecting the party’s broader push to elevate younger leaders into key political positions.