Zille's candidacy: A controversial choice for the DA

Analysts accuse party of abandoning its strategy of 'fronting' black leaders

- MASABATA MKWANANZI AND PULE MAKGALE

CRITICS argue that framing veteran politician and former Cape Town premier, Helen Zille, as a messiah for Joburg is misleading and unrealistic.

The Democratic Alliance's (DA) choice for Johannesburg mayor has sparked a political firestorm, with some detractors and analysts accusing the party of abandoning its strategy of "fronting" black leaders and instead exposing what they see as a blatant disregard for transformation, equity, and the democratic values it claims to uphold.

The backlash was triggered on Saturday in Mofolo, Soweto, when the party unveiled its 74-year-old stalwart as its candidate for the city's mayoral position in next year's local elections.

DA leader John Steenhuisen defended the shock announcement, claiming Zille's candidacy would rescue Johannesburg from collapse and restore basic services.

This comes as residents continue to endure water shortages, sewage overflows, relentless power cuts, and a city whose infrastructure is on the brink of ruin.

Veteran politician Zille, a formidable figure in South African politics, is gearing up for battle to control Johannesburg, a contest set to ignite fierce political clashes in the country's economic heart.

Zille, now serving as the DA's Federal Council Chair, previously led Cape Town from 2006 to 2009, where she earned global recognition by winning the 2008 World Mayor Prize for her leadership, vision, and effective governance. The DA confirmed that six candidates were interviewed for the Johannesburg mayoral position, but only Helen Zille's name was made public, with the rest kept under wraps.