Princess Faku leads trader consensus at 67.5% as the incumbent ANC mayor and regional chairperson who tops the party's proportional representation list ahead of the November 4 local government elections. The ANC's historical dominance in Buffalo City, reinforced by recent by-election victories, underpins expectations of a council majority that would enable her re-election or party selection as executive mayor. Multiple ANC shortlisted contenders, including Ncedo Kumbaca and Simphiwe Dzengwa, reflect internal selection pressures, while opposition bids from EFF candidate Mkhululi Dlevu, UDM's Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, and smaller parties remain priced lower amid fragmented support. Recent committee reshuffles and service delivery priorities have kept focus on continuity under Faku, though vote distribution and coalition possibilities in a tight council could still influence final outcomes.