Zille tops DA list to stand for mayor of Joburg

The party's federal chairperson is the internal favourite for the post but its Gauteng leader denied the existence of divisive factions

- Lunga Mzangwe

Polling systems within the Democratic Alliance (DA) have identified Helen Zille, the party's federal chair, as the best candidate for the Johannesburg mayorship position, internal sources say.

Zille has fared far better than her close competitors, including Joburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku and an unidentified “business leader”, the Mail & Guardian has been told.

According to sources who are close to the process, Zille's name has also been received well in townships in Johannesburg, making her the most appealing candidate if the DA wants to take over the metro.

Some in the DA Johannesburg caucus feel Zille holds an unfair advantage as she has served in senior positions in the party, including being the premier of the Western Cape and mayor, but others believe she is the best bet.

The M&G understands Zille has been barred from taking part in the selection processes and has been replaced by deputy minister of finance Ashor Sarupen.

The move to make her Johannesburg's mayoral candidate is being viewed as a strategic position as the DA's internal polling has shown that it would get more votes than the ANC in next year's local government elections, sources said, adding that a lower voter turnout would benefit the DA.

"The uMkhonto weSizwe party will take numbers from the ANC wards," one said.

It is still unclear who the ANC will field as its Johannesburg mayoral candidate, as the party still needs to interview the top three candidates who have applied for the post.

In an interview with the M&G, DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said the party had to answer the question of who it needed to turn around Johannesburg. It was unfair to assume Zille would get the nod as all councillors, as well as private citizens, were given a chance to apply for the post and go through the same processes. These include screening, vetting and writing exams.