Mashaba Offers Big Compromise: Both He and Zille Step Aside So DA Keeps Joburg Mayor

ActionSA president Herman Mashaba has made a bold proposal that could finally unlock stalled coalition talks in Johannesburg. He has written to the Democratic Alliance suggesting that both he and Helen Zille withdraw from the race for mayor, allowing the DA to keep the mayoral chain.

In a letter sent to DA federal leader Geordin Hill-Lewis on 7 November, Mashaba said the two parties should stop fighting over the top job in the country’s economic hub. He proposed that both he and Zille step aside so the DA can put forward a new mayoral candidate who will have ActionSA’s support in council.

In return, ActionSA wants the deputy mayor position in Johannesburg. Mashaba believes this arrangement will clear the way for proper negotiations on the rest of the coalition deal. He has also asked for movement in Tshwane, where ActionSA wants its candidate Dr Nasiphi Moya to become mayor.

The proposal comes just days after the 2026 local government elections. In Johannesburg the DA finished first with 34.79% of the vote. The ANC came second with 20.25%, while ActionSA took third place with 16.27%. No single party has enough seats to govern alone, which is why the two parties have been locked in difficult talks.

Mashaba has positioned the offer as a practical way to break the deadlock that has delayed the formation of governments in Gauteng’s big cities. He argues that voters are tired of political fighting and want stable leadership so basic services can improve.

The DA has not yet publicly responded to the letter. Coalition negotiations in Johannesburg, Tshwane and other metros have been tense, with both parties careful about who gets the most powerful positions.

If the DA accepts the proposal, it could speed up the process of choosing a mayor and executive for Johannesburg. A working coalition between the DA and ActionSA would give the two parties a clear majority in the city council and remove the uncertainty that has hung over the metro since the election results were announced.

Mashaba’s move has already sparked debate among voters and political observers. Some see it as a mature offer that puts the city first. Others question whether both leaders are truly willing to walk away from the mayor’s office after campaigning hard for it.

Talks between the two parties are expected to continue this week as they try to reach an agreement before the new councils are sworn in.

Source: https://x.com/SundayTimesZA/status/2119989420036084030?a=ukqZkZ0y1aLRCCipWPI&s=19