Zille remains force of nature

JOBURG: MAYORAL CANDIDACY IS GAME-CHANGER

- WILLIAM SAUNDERSON-MEYER

Like or loathe her, it doesn't much matter. Even at the age of 74, Helen Zille remains a force of nature and her mayoral candidacy in Johannesburg could be a political game-changer, with ripples beyond the rehabilitation of a dystopian urban wasteland.

First, Zille's candidacy is potentially the springboard to give the DA effective control, not only of Johannesburg, but also of Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.

Second, with the ANC in decline, Gauteng would, in turn, possibly fall to a DA-led coalition in 2029.

Third, it would help resolve the ambiguous role that the DA plays in the government of national unity (GNU), where it is neither influential partner nor effective opposition.

While this depends on a lot of good fortune for the DA, it's by no means an implausible scenario. With the right candidate for mayor, the DA could build the momentum needed to break out of half a dozen years of electoral stagnation.