Build One South Africa (BOSA) has officially unveiled award-winning arts administrator and brand strategist Nongelo Chiume as its mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni ahead of the 2026 local government elections, describing him as a leader with a proven record of service and community development.
Chiume, the son of the late veteran actress Connie Chiume, was announced as the party’s choice during an event in Ekurhuleni over the weekend. He brings more than two decades of experience in the arts, culture and community development sectors, having previously served as national secretary-general of the South African Arts and Culture Youth Forum, while also holding positions on the City of Ekurhuleni Creative Council, the Gauteng Arts Council and the National Major Events Panel.
Accepting the nomination, Chiume said his decision to enter local government was rooted in his commitment to the city that shaped him.
“Ekurhuleni raised me. Now, it’s my turn to serve it, fight for it, and lead the project of building it, one brick at a time,” he said.
He said residents deserve a municipality that delivers services efficiently while creating opportunities for economic growth.
“We need to get things done,” Chiume said, adding that his vision is to transform Ekurhuleni into South Africa’s leading manufacturing and industrial hub by creating an environment that attracts investment, supports businesses and creates jobs.
“Ekurhuleni should not merely function. It should compete for investment, for talent, for innovation and for jobs,” he said.
BOSA deputy president Nobantu Hlazo-Webster said the party selected Chiume because of his long-standing commitment to public service rather than political ambition.
“When I look at Nongelo Chiume, what stands out is not only achievements, but a full commitment to serve. For more than two decades, he’s worked across South Africa’s arts, culture and community development sectors. He’s been a participant that serves. He has been an organiser. He has been a servant leader,” Hlazo-Webster said.
BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane also endorsed Chiume’s candidacy, describing him as a credible and highly skilled leader capable of restoring confidence in municipal government. According to the party, Chiume’s campaign will centre on accountable governance, economic growth, improved service delivery and community-centred leadership.
In a statement following the announcement, BOSA said Chiume is committed to the principles of accountability and community-centred leadership and is ready to restore trust while driving meaningful development across Ekurhuleni.
The announcement positions Chiume among the growing list of mayoral candidates being unveiled by political parties ahead of the country’s upcoming municipal elections, where service delivery, infrastructure maintenance and local economic development are expected to dominate the campaign agenda.
