Helen Zille's mayoral nomination sparks political backlash in Johannesburg

POLITICAL parties in Johannesburg have criticised the DA's nomination of Helen Zille as its mayoral candidate, saying this demonstrated a disregard for democratic values, transformation and equity.

- MANYANE MANYANE

The DA on Saturday, during an event that took place in Mofolo in Soweto, officially announced the party's stalwart as its mayoral candidate ahead of the local elections next year.

The announcement was made by DA leader John Steenhuisen, who said the appointment would restore service delivery.

Residents in Johannesburg have been struggling with a shortage of water, sewage spills, power cuts and crumbling infrastructure.

The 74-year-old seasoned politician with a long history in South Africa governance, is set to challenge the current ANC mayor, Dada Morero, in what promises to be a heated contest for control of the country’s largest city.

The former Cape Town mayor, who currently serves as the DA’s federal council chair, is known for her outspoken and polarising statements, particularly on social media. Some of her most contentious comments have centered on colonialism, race and gender identity, often leading to public backlash and internal party discipline.

However, the ANC said the appointment of Zille confirmed the DA's continued commitment to a narrow, exclusionary agenda that does not serve the interests of Johannesburg's diverse communities.

The party's regional spokesperson in Johannesburg, Masilo Serekele, said this is also a clear indication that the DA lacks internal growth and leadership renewal.