Helen Zille
Helen Zille has declared that Johannesburg can be a world-class city again if voters back the DA, following her announcement as the party’s mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg by DA federal leader John Steenhuisen.
The unveiling took place at a vibrant Democratic Alliance rally in Soweto on Saturday, 20 September 2025, where Zille, the 73-year-old former DA leader and Western Cape premier, accepted the nomination with a passionate speech promising renewal for the struggling metropolis.
The event, held at the historic Jabulani Civic Centre, drew hundreds of supporters and marked a bold move by the DA to challenge the ANC’s long dominance in South Africa’s economic hub ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Zille’s candidacy, after a competitive internal selection, positions her as a seasoned figure to tackle the city’s decay, with the party emphasising her track record in governance.
Zille’s Rally Cry: From Despair to Renewal in Johannesburg
In her acceptance speech, Zille evoked Johannesburg’s golden past while lambasting the current ANC-led administration for turning the “city of gold” into a symbol of failure. “Joburg now symbolises the burden that bad government places on great people,” she said, pointing to broken infrastructure, dry taps, power outages, and unsafe streets as evidence of mismanagement.
Drawing from her own roots as a “daughter of Johannesburg,” where she was born, schooled, and started her career, Zille shared a personal connection to the city, vowing to restore its vibrancy.
She outlined the DA’s plan to prioritise basics like reliable water, electricity, waste removal, and road repairs, while harnessing community energy for a “whole-of-society” revival. “We will wrestle our city back from the criminal mafias and return her to those who love her,” Zille pledged, criticising the ANC’s coalitions as unstable and ineffective.  Steenhuisen, introducing her, praised Zille’s experience and called for unity against smaller parties that prop up failing ANC governance, urging voters to back the DA for stability.
The rally featured energetic performances, chants of “Viva DA,” and speeches from DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga, who echoed the need for change. “The ANC was busy fighting about factions while we have a plan,” Msimanga said, highlighting the DA’s focus on infrastructure and jobs.  Attendees, waving blue flags, chanted in support, reflecting optimism amid Johannesburg’s challenges like water shortages and potholes.
Background: Zille’s Return to the Frontlines
Helen Zille, a journalist-turned-politician, has a storied career in the DA, serving as federal chairperson, Western Cape premier from 2009 to 2019, and party leader from 2007 to 2015. Under her premiership, the Western Cape achieved high clean audit rates and economic growth, often cited as a model for DA governance. Her selection beat out other strong contenders, underscoring her enduring influence despite past controversies, like her 2017 tweets on colonialism that sparked backlash.
The DA’s push for Johannesburg comes after the ANC’s national vote dipped to 40% in 2024, forcing coalitions. In Joburg, the ANC governs in a fragile alliance with parties like the EFF and ActionSA, plagued by infighting and service failures. Zille’s campaign targets these weaknesses, promising to end the “revolving door” of mayors—Joburg has had five since 2021—and deliver clean, efficient rule.
Mixed Reactions from Soweto Residents and Critics
Soweto residents at the rally showed enthusiasm, but broader sentiments are divided. Some praised Zille’s experience, saying, “She turned Cape Town around—why not Joburg?” Others remained sceptical, citing the DA’s perceived focus on suburbs over townships. “Cape Town ignores townships,” one resident told News24, echoing ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji’s criticism of Ramaphosa’s DA praise.
On social media, the announcement trended with #HelenZilleForJoburg, drawing praise for her “iron lady” resolve but backlash over her age and past statements. “Helen Zille: From Dada to Gogo,” quipped one post, while supporters highlighted her anti-corruption stance. ANC critics like Malatji dismissed her candidacy, saying DA successes mask inequalities.
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