Helen Zille officially throws hat into the ring for Joburg mayor post

'Her candidacy could spark resignations'

- By Mandisa Nyathi

Helen Zille has officially entered the ring to contest the Joburg mayoral post.

The move has ignited accusations of political over-reach and threatening to splinter the party's already fragile provincial caucus.

Zille, the DA's federal council chairperson, confirmed she had submitted her application before the Friday 13 deadline.

Zille confirmed to Sunday World, Zille that she is vying for the post after being lobbied by party insiders, to bring stability to the city. She argued that Johannesburg needs experienced leadership to address its failing infrastructure and broken basic services.

"In fact, I had been canvassed from inside the party for a long time," she said.

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga confirmed that Zille's name had not yet been formally presented to the provincial executive committee.

He insisted that the selection process would remain transparent and merit-based. "No one is deployed in the DA. Everyone who applies must go through the same competitive process. There are no exceptions."

Msimanga stressed that no candidate had been endorsed and a decision would only be made after a thorough internal review, including vetting, written submissions, internal assignments and interviews.