The announcement of Helen Zille as the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) mayoral candidate for Johannesburg has been met with a wave of criticism from rival political parties, setting a contentious tone for the 2026 local government elections. While the DA has positioned the 74-year-old veteran as an experienced leader capable of fixing the city’s deep-seated problems, opponents have been quick to condemn the move.
The African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) were among the first to react, with both parties stating they are “unfazed” by her candidacy. The ANC’s regional spokesperson, Masilo Serekele, framed the nomination as a failure of leadership renewal within the DA, suggesting it shows a disregard for developing new and diverse leaders.
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Accusations of regression and neglect
The criticism extends beyond the major parties. ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, himself a former DA mayor of Johannesburg, called the nomination a “sad moment for South Africa.” He argued that the decision indicates the DA does not value or trust its black leadership, a sentiment echoed by other critics who see the move as a step backwards for the party.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) also weighed in, questioning Zille’s past performance as mayor of Cape Town. The party alleged that her administration prioritised service delivery in affluent suburbs while neglecting the city’s poorer townships, raising concerns that a similar pattern could emerge in Johannesburg if she were elected.
Despite the widespread political backlash, some analysts believe the DA is making a strategic choice. Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe acknowledged that while Zille is a controversial figure, she remains a formidable opponent.
As the city grapples with unstable coalitions and service delivery failures, the candidacy of Helen Zille ensures that the race for control of South Africa’s economic hub will be one of the most closely watched contests in the upcoming election.
Image: DA federal leader John Steenhuisen introduced Helen Zille to the crowd in Soweto, describing her as “a daughter of the city. [Via IOL]
