Yasmin Bilal
Cape Town’s mayoral race is heating up, with ActionSA naming Dereleen James as its candidate and the Democratic Alliance backing Geordin Hill-Lewis for another term in charge of the city.
ActionSA has named Dereleen James as its mayoral candidate for the City of Cape Town, positioning her as the party’s choice to lead its local government campaign.
The announcement was made by ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba at a launch event in Hanover Park, with the party saying James will spearhead a community-focused push to “reimagine Cape Town”.
“Today, we named Dereleen James as our Mayoral Candidate for the City of Cape Town,” the party said.
It said James will prioritise improved safety, tackling crime and gang violence, and restoring confidence in affected communities.
The party added that she will focus on making the city more affordable for poor, working and middle-class residents, alongside improved service delivery.
Mashaba said James is ready to confront crime, drugs and gangsterism in the city.
“Cape Town, meet your ActionSA Mayoral Candidate, the fearless and committed Dereleen James,” he said. “From fighting corruption in Parliament to taking on drugs and gangsterism in our Cape Town. The time to build a safer Cape Town with law and order is now.”
James, newly confirmed as the party’s candidate, said residents deserve better governance and stronger leadership.
The Democratic Alliance has also confirmed Cape Town Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis as its mayoral candidate for the 2026 local government elections.
Hill-Lewis said he has loved every day of the job and described serving the city as a privilege.
“Today I announced that I’m standing as the DA’s 2026 Mayoral Candidate for Cape Town,” he said.
He said Cape Town has been built into what he called the “City of Hope”, describing it as the most functional and successful city in South Africa.
His priorities for the next term include stronger policing, more jobs, reliable and affordable services, more housing, and cleaner public spaces.
“Now, I want to take Cape Town forward for all,” he said.
The Democratic Alliance said Hill-Lewis is a proven leader and reaffirmed his nomination.
The party said effective governance requires leadership, delivery, and a focus on residents, adding it aims to take Cape Town forward for all residents.
Hill-Lewis was elected as Federal Leader of the Democratic Alliance on 12 April at the party’s Federal Congress in Midrand, succeeding John Steenhuisen.