Former Public Protector and MK Party member Busisiwe Mkhwebane eyes Joburg mayoral race

Former Public Protector and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party member Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane has expressed interest in becoming the City of Johannesburg’s mayoral candidate, claiming she has the experience to “turn things around” in the metro.

In a recent interview with IOL News, Mkhwebane, who serves as the MK Party’s Mpumalanga convener, said she believes she has what it takes to be the Joburg mayor.

Mkhwebane was removed from office in 2023 by President Cyril Ramaphosa on grounds of misconduct and incompetence.

Asked whether the MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, had approached her about the Johannesburg mayoral candidacy, she said she would be open to the role but emphasised that the decision rests with 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.

Although expressing interest in the mayoral race, Mkhwebane said she would respect the party’s decision. 

“Now they have deployed me in Mpumalanga, and it’s up to them.”

Mkhwebane pointed out her experience investigating maladministration, service delivery failures, and corruption across state institutions as Public Protector. 

She said this experience would make it easier for her to address Johannesburg’s 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 added that effective leadership requires hiring competent personnel, particularly Section 56 managers, to ensure technical expertise in areas 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 said.

The race for Johannesburg’s mayoral seat is heating up ahead of the 2026 local government elections. 

So far, two candidates have officially entered the contest: Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chairperson Helen Zille and Patriotic Alliance (PA) MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene.

Johannesburg continues to face severe service delivery issues, including water and electricity shortages, potholes, uncollected waste, and non-functioning streetlights and traffic signals.

The African National Congress (ANC) has not yet confirmed whether it will retain incumbent mayor Dada Morero or appoint a new high-profile candidate. 

Morero previously told IOL News that the decision lies with the party.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has indicated he would consider contesting the mayoralty if the party cannot find a suitable candidate like City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and City of Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Xolani Dlamini.

Mkhwebane criticised both Zille and Kunene, claiming they would prioritise certain communities over others. 

She said Zille, who previously served as Cape Town mayor and Western Cape premier, would continue to neglect predominantly black areas.

“You will find that Zille would not be bothered at Hillbrow, where there is hijacking, lack of services, and crime,” she said.

She similarly criticised Kunene, suggesting that his focus would be limited to serving coloured communities rather than addressing the needs of all residents.

Mkhwebane also took aim at the ANC, saying that the party had failed to improve the lives of 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.

IOL News reached out to MK Party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela for comment on the mayoral race and Mkhwebane’s potential candidacy, but calls and messages went unanswered. 

The DA’s director of communications, Matthew Gerstner, and PA national spokesperson Steven Motale acknowledged the receipt of the questions, but did not respond before publication.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics