In a political bombshell that has set the scene for the most explosive mayoral race in South Africa's history, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has thrown down the gauntlet to his former ally, the Democratic Alliance's (DA) Helen Zille. Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Mashaba delivered a scathing and deeply personal attack on Zille, vowing that she will "never" be the mayor of the City of Gold.
The "gloves are off" as the two political heavyweights prepare for a high-stakes battle for the control of South Africa's economic hub. With the 2026 local government elections just months away, the personal animosity between Mashaba and Zille has reached a breaking point, threatening to reshape the political landscape of Johannesburg.
"She Will Never Lead This City"
Mashaba, who served as the DA mayor of Johannesburg from 2016 to 2019 before a bitter fallout with the party, was blunt in his assessment of Zille's mayoral bid. "Helen Zille will never be Joburg mayor," Mashaba told reporters, his voice filled with a mixture of anger and conviction. "The DA's apparent anti-poor policies and her own divisive leadership style stand in the way of her ever leading this city again."
The ActionSA leader didn't stop there. He accused Zille of being "out of touch" with the reality of life for the majority of Johannesburg's residents and of being more interested in "political games" than in fixing the city's crumbling infrastructure. "I've seen first-hand how she operates," Mashaba added. "It’s all about control and power for her. She doesn't care about the people of Diepsloot or Alexandra. Over my dead body will she ever be mayor of Joburg."
The Battle for the City of Gold
The rivalry between Mashaba and Zille is not just personal; it is a battle for the soul of the opposition in South Africa. As the DA struggles to maintain its majority in key metros, ActionSA has emerged as a serious threat, particularly in Johannesburg where Mashaba still enjoys significant support from his time as mayor.
For her part, Zille has remained defiant. At a recent manifesto launch, she revealed a "bold rescue plan" to "get Joburg working" again. Her campaign is built on five key pledges, including tackling the city's water crisis, fixing the roads, and rooting out corruption. "We are the only party with a proven track record of governance," Zille told a crowd of DA activists. "Johannesburg is failing because of years of political instability and coalition chaos. Only the DA can bring back the stability this city so desperately needs."
A "Walkover" or a "War"?
Despite Mashaba's strong words, some political analysts are questioning whether he is underestimating Zille. In a recent social media post, Mashaba dismissed Zille as a "walkover" and claimed he could "easily brush her aside" in the mayoral race. This sparked a wave of mixed reactions online, with some supporters praising his confidence and others warning that Zille is a "seasoned campaigner" who should not be taken lightly.
"Bhutiza Jay Zille will WIN this race 'quite EAZY'," one commenter wrote on Facebook. "Johannesburg residents, BLACK & WHITE & PINK, ALL need a government THAT CAN GOVERN! The DA has shown they can do it in Cape Town; why not here?"
However, Mashaba’s supporters are equally vocal. "Mashaba is the only one who truly understands this city," another fan wrote. "He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. Zille is just a relic of the past."
The High Cost of Political Rivalry
As the two leaders trade insults, the City of Johannesburg continues to suffer. With frequent power outages, a deepening water crisis, and a rising crime rate, the residents of the City of Gold are growing increasingly frustrated with the "political theatre" that seems to have taken over the council.
The 2026 elections will be a crucial test for both Mashaba and Zille. For Mashaba, it is a chance to prove that ActionSA is a viable alternative to the DA. For Zille, it is a chance to reclaim her status as a major player in South African politics and to show that the DA can still win in the big cities.
One thing is certain: the battle for Johannesburg is going to be "brutal." As the "political gloves" come off, the residents of the city are left to wonder if any of the candidates are truly interested in "getting Joburg working" or if they are just interested in winning the "war" against each other.
Stay tuned to Celeb Gossip News for the latest updates on the Johannesburg mayoral race and the ongoing feud between Herman Mashaba and Helen Zille.
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