DA eyes outright majority in Johannesburg as new regional leadership takes charge

The Democratic Alliance (DA) maintains that its internal research indicates a viable path to securing an outright majority in Johannesburg in the upcoming local government elections.

However, outgoing Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille warns that reaching this goal will require significant effort on the ground.

The party’s Johannesburg wing concluded its elective congress on Saturday, appointing a new regional leadership team. Member of Parliament and former youth leader Luyolo Mphithi was elected as the Regional Chairperson.

With the internal elections finalised, the party is shifting its full focus toward intensifying its mayoral campaign. While the newly elected leadership is tasked with steering the DA’s local election strategy, the party clarified that none of these individuals will serve as mayoral candidates.

The DA has already officially named Helen Zille as its candidate for Johannesburg Mayor. The party emphasised that holding a position within the regional executive does not guarantee a selection for the mayoral office.

Despite this separation of roles, the DA maintains that its campaign is cohesive, with regional structures fully aligned to support Zille’s bid.

Zille framed the upcoming election as a turning point for the nation, suggesting that Johannesburg serves as a litmus test for the country's potential.

"If we mess this up, Joburg won't survive another five years of what it's got now," Zille cautioned. "If the party can get Johannesburg working, it can demonstrate that South Africa can work."

The DA continues to take aim at the city’s current administration, citing the ongoing water crisis and deteriorating infrastructure as evidence of failed leadership. The party claims to hold practical, scalable solutions to these service delivery challenges.

By Nkosikhona Malinga-Mnisi