Johannesburg – Helen Zille’s growing involvement in Johannesburg politics has ignited debate over her potential bid for the city’s next mayoral role as the Democratic Alliance (DA) gears up for the 2026 local government elections.
IOL reports that Zille’s frequent street-level appearances — spotlighting malfunctioning traffic lights, crumbling infrastructure, and service delivery breakdowns — have fueled speculation she’s positioning herself for a major push in South Africa’s largest city.
The DA is eyeing a proportional representation (PR) seat on the Johannesburg City Council to help Zille meet residency requirements and advance her mayoral ambitions. Mayors must be registered voters in their municipality, putting her Cape Town base under scrutiny.
The 74-year-old Zille has pushed back against “outsider” labels by stressing her Johannesburg roots—where she was born and raised—and casting her visibility as a drive to expose governance failures.
Traffic lights expired with the G20. What is a girl to do?, pic.twitter.com/7YDzWlXLoO
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) December 4, 2025
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has meanwhile signaled his own interest in the 2026 mayoral contest.
Eyewitness News quoted him saying that if ActionSA can’t find a candidate of equal caliber, he would step in himself.
He framed the race as a showdown, labeling Zille a “dark force”: “They did not realise Herman Mashaba is born a gambler… the very same person behind these dark, evil forces is the same person earmarked to be the mayor of the city of Johannesburg.”
Mashaba said ActionSA will announce its choice after an internal process, likely in February, setting up a fierce battle.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba says Helen Zille’s candidacy for the mayor of Joburg comes as no surprise. He adds that she will not bring any change to the province, but will make matters worse for the poor. #Newzroom405
Watch: https://t.co/U3MUYTtdvg pic.twitter.com/vdNDFA9PSE
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 20, 2025
In a viral clip, Zille stood at a blackout intersection to slam current leaders.
She told Eyewitness News in an earlier interview about her priorities: “I’ve seen parts of Joburg that have improved, but I’ve seen many parts that are completely devastated.”
IOL noted the DA hadn’t confirmed Zille’s relocation at publication time, though insiders say strategic moves are underway. Johannesburg DA chairperson Wendy Alexander told media the party is updating its councillor list and watching for vacancies to ease Zille’s entry.
A former Cape Town mayor and two-term Western Cape premier, Zille now chairs the DA’s federal council and ranks among its top national figures. Her Johannesburg pivot arrives amid ongoing service delivery woes and instability in the ANC-led coalition.
During my term as Mayor of Johannesburg, Helen Zille and the Democratic Alliance wanted me to service suburban areas and cut grass in Sandton, neglecting our poor and forgotten communities, calling me an EFF mayor. Including having secret meetings with the ANC to remove me.… https://t.co/wNrpOSWvcV pic.twitter.com/2gUFKre6h2
— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) October 29, 2025
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
