Mashaba says he may challenge DA’s Helen Zille in Johannesburg mayoral race

Former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba is not ruling out vying for another term this time for his own party, ActionSA.

This would pit him against his political nemesis, the Democratic Alliance's ( DA ) Helen Zille, whom he today labelled a “dark force” who allegedly contributed to his exit from the party in 2019.  

At a press briefing at parliament on Thursday, Mashaba said if the party does not find a candidate of the calibre of its Tshwane mayor, Nasiphi Moya, he could decide to make another go for the position. 

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said that in the three years he served as Johannesburg mayor, he was beginning to break the back of corruption in the city council. 

Mashaba believes he’s been underestimated by his political rivals - including the DA’s mayoral candidate Helen Zille, whom he claims plotted his removal from the DA. 

"They did not realise Herman Mashaba is born a gambler. I’m a trader. I’ve got my ears and eyes on the ground, so I came to know about these secret meetings. I find it really interesting and very strange that the very same person behind these dark, evil forces is the same person earmarked to be the mayor of the city of Johannesburg."

Mashaba said his party is currently looking at suitable candidates to run in the city; failing which, he will step up. 

"If it means I must be the one available and my party’s happy with that, an announcement will be made sometime in February. 

Mashaba said without Johannesburg functioning optimally, the country can’t work.