Reports circulate that Loyiso Masuku, the ANC Greater Johannesburg Region’s chairperson and the city’s deputy mayor, is being tipped as the leading candidate for the ANC’s Johannesburg mayoral position ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The ANC Greater Johannesburg Region does not comment on the reports, according to IOL. Political analysts quoted in the coverage say such speculation typically reflects internal party positioning, with senior office holders often considered likely nominees as parties prepare for local election contests. However, the reports do not confirm that Masuku has been formally selected through any ANC internal process, nor do they provide details about whether other candidates are being considered. The coverage therefore distinguishes between public speculation about who may be nominated and the party’s lack of an official response. With the 2026 elections still in the future, any final mayoral candidate nomination remains unannounced, and the ANC’s candidacy for Johannesburg has not been officially set out in the available reporting.