Media personality, author and poet Nontsikelelo “Ntsiki” Mazwai has announced her bid to become Johannesburg’s next mayor after accepting the Land Party’s nomination ahead of the November local government elections.
Her candidacy was unveiled during a media briefing on Wednesday, adding her name to an increasingly high-profile contest that already includes Helen Zille of the DA and Herman Mashaba of ActionSA.
Addressing supporters at the launch, Mazwai said her connection to Johannesburg stretches back to her childhood, having been born in Soweto and raised in the city.
She told the gathering that Johannesburg’s history, from its years of oppression to its former successes and current struggles, has shaped her commitment to seek public office.
Mazwai said she could no longer watch from the sidelines while the city continued to decline under poor governance.
According to her, Johannesburg has deteriorated into a city plagued by neglect and lawlessness despite once symbolising opportunity and hope.
She said the Land Party, under the leadership of Gobani Ndzongana, reflects her vision because of its focus on advancing the interests of poor, working-class and disadvantaged South Africans.
Mazwai argued that the party’s policies directly confront some of Johannesburg’s biggest challenges, including unemployment, crime, failing infrastructure and undocumented immigration.
She also cited the killing of community activists, including DJ Warras, as evidence that residents no longer feel safe reclaiming their neighbourhoods.
If elected mayor, Mazwai pledged to restore reliable municipal services, accelerate housing development in Alexandra, rehabilitate deteriorating roads and infrastructure, and improve public safety across the city.
She said her administration would welcome foreign investment that benefits Johannesburg while ensuring South Africans are prioritised in economic opportunities.
A key proposal in her campaign is the introduction of labour policies requiring employers to maintain a workforce made up of 90% South African citizens and no more than 10% foreign nationals.
Mazwai concluded her address by urging residents to join her campaign and help rebuild Johannesburg.
She said restoring the city would require collective action from communities working together, street by street and neighbourhood by neighbourhood.