Helen Zille's mayoral bid divides DA

Democratic Alliance federal leader's possible comeback as Joburg mayor also rattles rivals

- Mandisa Nyathi

Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chair Helen Zille's potential return to front-line politics as the party's Johannesburg mayoral candidate has reignited political tensions in the city, drawing sharp rebukes from both the ANC and ActionSA ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

It has also ruffled feathers in her own party, with some DA Gauteng members expressing concern about what they describe as a centralisation of power and a lack of renewal in the party. The DA is divided over whether the former Cape Town mayor and Western Cape premier represents stability or stagnation.

Zille confirmed last week that she has been approached to apply for the position and is considering the offer seriously. “I’ve been asked to throw my name in the hat,” she told Reuters, adding that she would consult her family before making a final decision.

Zille’s potential candidacy comes as the DA prepares to finalise its shortlist for the 2026 local government elections.

Both the ANC and ActionSA have accused the DA of clinging to outdated leadership structures and sidelining younger, black leaders in favour of political veterans.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, who served as Johannesburg mayor from 2016 to 2019 under a DA-led coalition before resigning, did not mince words in his critique of his former party’s internal dynamics.

“They do not believe in black excellence,” Mashaba commented this week, saying the same DA that had refused to back its former Johannesburg mayor, Mpho Phalatse, when she faced opposition was now turning to Zille.

“If Zille becomes mayor, the people of Soweto and Alexandra can forget about ever receiving quality services,” he said.

The ANC’s Johannesburg regional spokesperson, Sasa Manganye, said Zille’s possible candidacy further confirmed the DA’s failure to nurture leadership capable of governing the city.