The ink is barely dry on reports of Helen Zille’s possible run for Joburg mayor, and already Joburg residents — and the explain.co.za audience — have opinions.
When we asked whether people would support Zille’s return to frontline politics as Johannesburg’s mayor, responses came in thick and fast across Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook.
And here’s the tea: the majority of respondents said yes. They’d back Zille.
What the numbers say
Across platforms, a clear pattern emerged: a majority of respondents would support Helen Zille’s candidacy for Johannesburg mayor — but there’s still a notable chunk of sceptics.
Out of a total of 126 votes from Twitter, WhatsApp, and Facebook combined:
- Yes – She gets things done: 65%
- No – Time for new leaders: 28.%
- Maybe – Depends on the alternative: 6%
While nearly two-thirds of respondents believe Zille is the right person to clean up Joburg, a sizable group either wants new leadership or are undecided. It’s a reminder that while Zille may still inspire confidence in many, her return to frontline politics isn’t without controversy — or resistance.
“Just fix the damn city”
While some supporters pointed to Zille’s track record of turning Cape Town around and her reputation for getting things done, others were more blunt about their motivations.
“I just want someone to fix the damn city,” wrote Samantha Perry on Facebook — a sentiment that seemed to capture the feelings of many Joburg residents. Whether it’s water outages, potholes the size of bathtubs, or non-functioning traffic lights, service delivery in Johannesburg has become a daily frustration.
And that’s exactly what Zille says she wants to tackle — if the DA selects her as its candidate ahead of the local elections happening towards the end of 2026.
A city in crisis, a candidate with history
Johannesburg is a mess. Its R200-billion infrastructure backlog dwarfs its R86-billion annual budget. Former Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda stepped down earlier this year amid coalition chaos. The Presidency has had to step in with ‘soft intervention’ just to keep the basics going. And the city — which contributes 16% to South Africa’s GDP — is visibly falling apart.
Zille, who previously served as Cape Town mayor and Western Cape premier, says she was initially shocked by the idea of running again. But now, she’s seriously in.
“My only objective will be to restore service delivery and functionality to Johannesburg. If we achieve that, the city will fly,” she said.
Her plan involves stabilising finances, rooting out corruption, and rebuilding trust in local government. She’s also promised to recuse herself from any internal DA decision-making panels to avoid conflicts of interest.
Not everyone’s convinced
Still, not everyone is thrilled. Some DA insiders fear that bringing Zille — now 74 — out of semi-retirement could alienate younger voters and derail the rise of local black leaders in Gauteng. Others, like political editor Tshidi Madia, question whether Zille’s entry reflects a lack of fresh leadership in the DA itself.
“This is not Cape Town. Johannesburg has different dynamics,” one provincial executive told Sunday World. “You can’t drop someone in and expect it to work.”
Meanwhile, opposition parties are rubbing their hands with glee. ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba accused the DA of sidelining former black leaders like Mpho Phalatse in favour of Zille. The ANC’s Dada Morero called her candidacy a revealing sign of DA desperation.
So… will it happen?
Zille has now formally entered the race. The DA’s federal executive will make a final call once internal interviews and vetting are complete. She’s up against several local candidates — including Joburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku — but few carry Zille’s national profile.
Whether the DA picks her or not, one thing is clear: Joburgers want change. And many seem to believe Zille might just be the one to bring it — experience, baggage and all.
Emma is a freshly graduated Journalist from Stellenbosch University, who also holds an Honours in history. She joined the explain team, eager to provide thorough and truthful information and connect with her generation.
Helen Zille for Joburg mayor? Our audience weighs in.
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The ink is barely dry on reports of Helen Zille’s possible run for Joburg mayor, and already Joburg residents — and the explain.co.za audience — have opinions.
When we asked whether people would support Zille’s return to frontline politics as Johannesburg’s mayor, responses came in thick and fast across Twitter, WhatsApp and Facebook.
And here’s the tea: the majority of respondents said yes. They’d back Zille.
What the numbers say
Across platforms, a clear pattern emerged: a majority of respondents would support Helen Zille’s candidacy for Johannesburg mayor — but there’s still a notable chunk of sceptics.
Out of a total of 126 votes from Twitter, WhatsApp, and Facebook combined:
While nearly two-thirds of respondents believe Zille is the right person to clean up Joburg, a sizable group either wants new leadership or are undecided. It’s a reminder that while Zille may still inspire confidence in many, her return to frontline politics isn’t without controversy — or resistance.
“Just fix the damn city”
While some supporters pointed to Zille’s track record of turning Cape Town around and her reputation for getting things done, others were more blunt about their motivations.
“I just want someone to fix the damn city,” wrote Samantha Perry on Facebook — a sentiment that seemed to capture the feelings of many Joburg residents. Whether it’s water outages, potholes the size of bathtubs, or non-functioning traffic lights, service delivery in Johannesburg has become a daily frustration.
And that’s exactly what Zille says she wants to tackle — if the DA selects her as its candidate ahead of the local elections happening towards the end of 2026.
A city in crisis, a candidate with history
Johannesburg is a mess. Its R200-billion infrastructure backlog dwarfs its R86-billion annual budget. Former Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda stepped down earlier this year amid coalition chaos. The Presidency has had to step in with ‘soft intervention’ just to keep the basics going. And the city — which contributes 16% to South Africa’s GDP — is visibly falling apart.
Zille, who previously served as Cape Town mayor and Western Cape premier, says she was initially shocked by the idea of running again. But now, she’s seriously in.
“My only objective will be to restore service delivery and functionality to Johannesburg. If we achieve that, the city will fly,” she said.
Her plan involves stabilising finances, rooting out corruption, and rebuilding trust in local government. She’s also promised to recuse herself from any internal DA decision-making panels to avoid conflicts of interest.
Not everyone’s convinced
Still, not everyone is thrilled. Some DA insiders fear that bringing Zille — now 74 — out of semi-retirement could alienate younger voters and derail the rise of local black leaders in Gauteng. Others, like political editor Tshidi Madia, question whether Zille’s entry reflects a lack of fresh leadership in the DA itself.
“This is not Cape Town. Johannesburg has different dynamics,” one provincial executive told Sunday World. “You can’t drop someone in and expect it to work.”
Meanwhile, opposition parties are rubbing their hands with glee. ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba accused the DA of sidelining former black leaders like Mpho Phalatse in favour of Zille. The ANC’s Dada Morero called her candidacy a revealing sign of DA desperation.
So… will it happen?
Zille has now formally entered the race. The DA’s federal executive will make a final call once internal interviews and vetting are complete. She’s up against several local candidates — including Joburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku — but few carry Zille’s national profile.
Whether the DA picks her or not, one thing is clear: Joburgers want change. And many seem to believe Zille might just be the one to bring it — experience, baggage and all.
Emma Solomon
Emma is a freshly graduated Journalist from Stellenbosch University, who also holds an Honours in history. She joined the explain team, eager to provide thorough and truthful information and connect with her generation.
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