The political landscape of Johannesburg is currently experiencing seismic shifts as the battle for the city's mayoral seat intensifies. ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has ignited a firestorm of debate and speculation with his audacious claim that Democratic Alliance (DA) stalwart Helen Zille would be a mere 'walkover' in the upcoming municipal elections. This bold declaration has not only set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested race but has also cast a spotlight on the broader political realignments occurring within South Africa.
Mashaba, a former Mayor of Johannesburg himself, made these provocative remarks during the unveiling of ActionSA's mayoral candidate for the city on 21 February 2026. His confidence stems from a belief that his party, ActionSA, offers a fresh and viable alternative to both the struggling African National Congress (ANC) and the DA, which he once represented. "We are not here to play games; we are here to take Johannesburg back from the clutches of corruption and incompetence," Mashaba asserted, echoing sentiments from his 2024 election manifesto which promised to "steer South Africa towards prosperity"
.
Helen Zille, often dubbed South Africa's 'Iron Lady' due to her formidable political career and unwavering resolve, is no stranger to tough political battles. Her extensive experience includes serving as the Mayor of Cape Town, Premier of the Western Cape, and as the leader of the Democratic Alliance. Zille's political acumen and strategic prowess are well-documented, making Mashaba's 'walkover' comment particularly audacious. Her supporters are quick to point to her track record of good governance and clean administration in the Western Cape as evidence of her capability to lead a complex metropolitan area like Johannesburg
.
The rivalry between Mashaba and Zille is not new. Mashaba's departure from the DA in 2019, citing ideological differences and a perceived lack of commitment to addressing issues affecting black South Africans, laid the groundwork for this current political showdown. He subsequently formed ActionSA, positioning it as a party committed to ethical leadership, economic prosperity, and the rule of law. His return to the mayoral race signifies a deep-seated ambition to complete the work he believes he started during his previous tenure, which was cut short by coalition instability.
Johannesburg, often referred to as the economic heartland of South Africa, has been plagued by a myriad of challenges, including decaying infrastructure, rampant crime, and persistent service delivery failures. The city's political landscape has been characterised by unstable coalition governments, leading to frequent changes in leadership and a lack of consistent policy implementation. The ANC, which has historically dominated the city's politics, has seen its support wane, creating an opportunity for opposition parties to vie for control. The Daily Maverick noted on 21 February 2026 that "as the ANC self-immolates, Zille and Mashaba seize race for Joburg’s future," highlighting the vacuum created by the ruling party's internal struggles
.
Mashaba's campaign is heavily focused on restoring good governance, fighting corruption, and improving service delivery. His 2024 manifesto, titled "We take immense pride in unveiling our 2024 Elections Manifesto, as we believe it offers South Africans the most credible plan to steer South Africa," outlines a comprehensive strategy for urban renewal, job creation, and enhancing public safety
. He has consistently criticised the current administration for its perceived failures and has vowed to implement stringent measures to ensure accountability and efficiency within the municipal government. "We declare war against corruption, incompetence, and decline," Mashaba stated, indicating his aggressive approach to tackling the city's problems
.
On the other hand, Helen Zille's potential entry into the mayoral race, if confirmed, would bring a different dynamic. Her supporters would likely champion her experience in managing large municipalities and her reputation for fiscal discipline. The Democratic Alliance's broader platform often emphasises economic growth, job creation through private sector investment, and efficient public services. The prospect of Zille, a seasoned politician with a national profile, directly challenging Mashaba, a relatively newer force in the political arena, adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming elections.
The public reaction to Mashaba's 'walkover' comment has been mixed, ranging from amusement to outrage. Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions, with many commentators debating the implications of such a statement. Some view it as a sign of Mashaba's confidence and determination, while others see it as a disrespectful and arrogant dismissal of a formidable political opponent. One Facebook user commented on a TimesLIVE post, "Besides politics, which I think Mashaba is still an infant in that department, Zille can campaign and hype a crowd. She has a good track record," suggesting that Zille's experience should not be underestimated
.
This mayoral contest is not just about two individuals; it is about the future direction of Johannesburg and, by extension, South Africa. The outcome will undoubtedly influence the broader political landscape, potentially setting precedents for future coalition governments and the role of opposition parties. The citizens of Johannesburg will be faced with a critical choice: whether to opt for Mashaba's assertive, anti-corruption stance or Zille's experienced, governance-focused approach. The political drama is only just beginning, and Celeb Gossip News will be here to bring you every thrilling update.
Follow Us on Twitter
