This report captures public sentiment toward the mayors of eight leading metros in South Africa—CapeTown, Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekwini, Ekurhuleni, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay and Mangaung.
Based on an analysis of over 700 000 social media mentions, the 2025 SA Mayors Report tracked citizen sentiment towards eight of South Africa's most prominent mayors.
Tshwane’s Dr Nasiphi Moya and Cape Town’s Geordin Hill-Lewis and emerged as the most positively perceived city leaders, recognised for visible service delivery, infrastructure improvements, and safety initiatives. In contrast, other metros faced greater criticism tied to governance and service delivery challenges.
Average Net Sentiment:
-19%
as cities highlight a lack of service delivery and concerns around alleged corruption
Discover the key factors that are impacting public sentiment toward SA's leading mayors
