The Democratic Alliance’s federal council chairperson, Helen Zille, is once again making headlines — this time by accepting her party’s nomination to run for Mayor of Johannesburg.
Known for her tough stance on governance and her track record as former Cape Town mayor, Zille is being positioned as the DA’s answer to the city’s ongoing leadership struggles.
Party leader John Steenhuisen has thrown his full weight behind her, arguing that Johannesburg needs the kind of “honest, experienced, and accountable leadership” she can provide.
Steenhuisen Warns of “Decay” in Joburg
Speaking to DA supporters in Soweto on Saturday, 20 September, Steenhuisen didn’t hold back on his assessment of the city’s condition.
He described Johannesburg as a place brimming with talent, energy, and potential — but hampered by poor leadership.
With an R83 billion budget, Steenhuisen argued, the city has everything it needs to thrive, except the right people at the helm.
“What we have today is not governance,” he told the crowd. “It is decay. And it cannot continue.”
A Choice Between Renewal and Decline
For Steenhuisen, the upcoming local government election isn’t just about the DA going head-to-head with the ANC.
Instead, he framed it as a decision between “decay and renewal.”
He insisted the ruling party has proven — even to itself — that it cannot put the needs of residents first.
In contrast, he said, the DA has demonstrated in areas under its control that it can deliver the basics effectively.
Zille Pledges to Put Residents First
Taking the stage, Zille reinforced his message with a promise of practical action over lofty speeches.
She told supporters that Johannesburg doesn’t need more political promises — it needs leaders who can get the basics right and remove corruption from the system.
“Together we can make the City of Gold shine on our country, our continent, and the world,” she said.
“It’s all about getting the basics right and getting rid of the crooks.”
A Battle for Joburg’s Future
As the campaign heats up, Zille and Steenhuisen are both presenting the DA as the party capable of turning Johannesburg around.
With a history of political turbulence and service delivery challenges, the city has become a litmus test for leadership in South Africa.
The big question now is whether residents of Joburg will rally behind Zille and the DA’s promise of renewal — or stick with the ANC despite frustrations over governance.