Mashaba and Beaumont offer DA Tshwane deal — Zille must go in Joburg

A fresh political twist has emerged in the battle for control of South Africa’s major metropolitan municipalities, with ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba and the party’s national chairperson, Michael Beaumont, reportedly willing to support Nasiphi Moya for the Tshwane mayoralty if the Democratic Alliance (DA) agrees to abandon Helen Zille as its mayoral candidate for Johannesburg.

The reported proposal could open the door to a significant political arrangement between ActionSA and the DA as parties assess their positions following the 2026 local government election results.

At the centre of the reported discussions is a possible exchange of political concessions involving two of the country’s most closely watched metropolitan municipalities. ActionSA’s willingness to back Moya in Tshwane would represent an important development in efforts to establish a governing arrangement in the capital.

Moya, who has been serving as Tshwane’s mayor, has been a prominent figure in the city’s political landscape. Her potential return to the mayoral office would depend on the support of parties seeking to secure a workable majority in the metropolitan council.

However, the reported condition concerning Johannesburg could prove more difficult for the DA to accept. Zille, a former Western Cape premier and experienced political figure, remains an influential member of the party. A decision to withdraw her mayoral candidacy would carry considerable political implications for the DA’s ambitions in the country’s economic hub.

For Mashaba and Beaumont, the reported position appears to reflect ActionSA’s determination to secure meaningful influence in negotiations rather than simply endorse arrangements that do not advance its political interests.

The discussions also highlight the complicated nature of coalition politics in South Africa, where parties must balance electoral performance, leadership preferences and policy differences when negotiating control of municipalities.

Johannesburg and Tshwane are particularly important because of their economic, administrative and political significance. Control of these municipalities provides parties with an opportunity to shape service delivery, infrastructure development, financial management and local governance.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the DA would consider the reported proposal or whether the parties could reach an alternative agreement that accommodates their respective interests.

If the reported arrangement gains traction, it could reshape the political calculations in both metropolitan councils and place additional pressure on parties negotiating for executive control.

Mashaba and Beaumont challenge DA over Zille — Joburg coalition talks face fresh pressure in Gauteng

ActionSA is preparing to make Helen Zille’s position a central issue in coalition negotiations with the Democratic Alliance (DA), as parties work to secure control of Gauteng’s hung metropolitan councils following the 2026 local government elections.

According to a report by the Sunday Times, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba and national chairperson Michael Beaumont want the DA to reconsider Zille as its mayoral candidate for Johannesburg. The party is seeking the mayoral position for Mashaba, while insisting that it will not abandon its support for Nasiphi Moya in Tshwane.

An ActionSA source told the publication that the party would rather relinquish its ambitions in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni than sacrifice Moya’s position in the capital. The source also raised concerns about working with Zille, accusing her of being unreliable in political engagements.

Beaumont confirmed that ActionSA remained open to exploring coalition arrangements with the DA, but said the party had serious reservations about any agreement involving Zille. He argued that her record in Johannesburg raised questions about the prospects of establishing a stable and effective coalition.

The dispute places the DA in a difficult position. Zille was selected as the party’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg and secured almost 35% of the vote, according to the report. The ANC came a distant second with just over 20%, while ActionSA recorded about 16%.

Zille has rejected criticism of her leadership and defended the DA’s candidate-selection process. She has also publicly questioned Mashaba’s record during his time as Johannesburg mayor, reflecting the longstanding tensions between the two politicians.

The negotiations are unfolding as Gauteng’s three major metros — Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni — remain central to coalition discussions. No party has secured an outright majority in the key councils, increasing the importance of parties that can help assemble governing arrangements.

ActionSA has separately made clear that retaining Moya as Tshwane mayor is a priority. Beaumont has said the party intends to negotiate for her to receive another five-year term, while insisting that any coalition partner must commit to service delivery, accountability, anti-corruption measures and political stability.

The DA has not publicly indicated that it is prepared to withdraw Zille. Its national leadership has said coalition discussions will be conducted through party structures rather than negotiated in public.

Whether the DA will accept ActionSA’s demands remains uncertain. However, the standoff signals that negotiations in Gauteng will involve not only numbers and council positions, but also sharp disagreements over leadership and trust.

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