If Zille runs, it implies the DA does not have confidence in black people, says Herman Mashaba (ActionSA)

702 and CapeTalk’s Mandy Wiener speaks with ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba

Listen below:

Helen Zille has reportedly been approached by the Democratic Alliance (DA) as a potential candidate for Johannesburg’s mayor in the 2026 local government elections.

Zille says she is strongly considering running.

She would need to relocate to Johannesburg before she could be eligible to run.

Former Joburg mayor and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba says it is concerning that Zille is wanting to run, as it implies that the DA does not believe in black leadership.

“Our concern is not about Helen Zille. It is about the DA not having confidence in black people. What Helen and the DA are saying is the only way we can turn this country around is if a white person is in charge.”

- Herman Mashaba, ActionSA leader

RELATED: Helen Zille for Mayor? ‘I have unfinished business in Johannesburg’

He adds that Zille is praised for her role in running Cape Town despite the state of the townships.

“I want to challenge anyone to go to Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Mitchells Plain, Langa, and see what is happening there. I wander if Helen is going to do exactly the same thing to the people of Soweto and Alexandra.” 

- Herman Mashaba, ActionSA leader

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