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6h ago

DA Names Helen Zille as Joburg Mayoral Candidate for 2026

The move anchors the DA’s bid to retake Johannesburg on restoring basic services through competent, merit-based governance.

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Democratic Alliance candidate for Mayor of Johannesburg, Helen Zille addresses supporters at Eyethu Mall in Soweto, 20 September2025, about the upcoming local government elections. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen
DA leader, John Steenhuisen speaks to supporters at Eyethu Mall in Soweto, on 20 September 2025, before the announcement of Helen Zille as the party's candidate for Joburg mayor in the upcoming local government election. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen
South Africa's Democratic Alliance party has named the head of its federal council Helen Zille to lead the party bid to take control of Johannesburg in elections next year

Overview

  • DA leader John Steenhuisen unveiled Zille as the party’s pick at a Soweto rally, saying the party is ready to rescue Johannesburg.
  • Zille framed the city as a symbol of poor governance and pledged to “wrestle our city back” from criminal control.
  • Her platform prioritises water, sewage, refuse removal, roads, traffic lights and electricity, delivered by professionals appointed on merit.
  • Positioning herself as a hometown figure, Zille described herself as a “daughter of Johannesburg” with deep personal ties to the city.
  • The confirmation follows weeks of speculation and a shortlist process that, according to DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga, initially included multiple contenders.