Mashaba backs coalition rule, vows to fix Johannesburg

Johannesburg is facing mounting challenges, from deteriorating infrastructure to crime and corruption.

As the city heads toward the 2026 local government elections, political parties are positioning themselves to win back voters' trust.

Herman Mashaba, president of ActionSA, is also the party’s mayoral candidate.

"We need to accept that this country has entered the era of coalitions," Mashaba admits.

He says coalition governance is the best thing in a democratic dispensation.

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"Because one-party [rule] honestly has not proven to actually work, but at the same time, a coalition can be disruptive if you have politicians who are dishonest."

However, he denies that the coalition era means he is not able to make promises to the electorate.

"It is up to me. I can control what I can control; however, I cannot control what the next person is going to do."

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In 2016, while a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Mashaba was sworn in as the Mayor of Johannesburg, the first one ever from a party other than the ANC in post-apartheid South Africa.

He resigned in 2019, citing differences with DA party leadership.

“This time around, I represent a political party that believes in social justice. It's non-negotiable,” he says.

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Residents have raised concerns about service delivery failures, including water, electricity and road maintenance.

Mashaba argues that strong governance and tackling corruption will be central to turning the city around.

"When you're a mayor, you don't just provide services to those who voted for you; you provide services to all the residents."

To listen to Mashaba in conversation with 702/CapeTalk's Aubrey Masango, use the audio player below: