African National Congress (ANC) top brass, including incumbent Tshwane mayoral candidate Thoko Didiza, embarked on an election campaign in central Pretoria on Friday morning.

Didiza, Gauteng Premier David Makhura and outgoing Tshwane mayor Kgosiensto Ramokgopa were among those handing out flyers and talking to commuters.

This came after days of violent protests and a spate of looting widely attributed to Didiza's selection as the ANC's preferred mayoral candidate.

The death toll from the civil unrest sits at five, and scores of people have been arrested.

On Thursday night police engaged gangs of looters in Mabopane in running skirmishes that lasted most of the evening.

The politicians were accompanied by a heavy police presence on Friday morning.

Makhura, speaking to News24, further renounced any acts of violence.

He said the only area still under a cloud was Mabopane, and he was confident that calm would soon be restored.

Makhura added that campaign activities would continue unabated in areas hard hit by looters. "Our volunteers will be working hard this weekend, even in Mabopane."