Mashaba ready to quit Joburg mayoral race if Zille withdraws — ActionSA sets conditions

ActionSA has confirmed that its leader, Herman Mashaba, is prepared to abandon his ambitions of becoming Johannesburg mayor, but only if Democratic Alliance (DA) heavyweight Helen Zille also withdraws from the race.

The development adds another intriguing dimension to the growing political contest over who should lead South Africa’s economic powerhouse following the 2026 local government elections.

Mashaba, who previously served as Johannesburg mayor between 2016 and 2019, remains a significant political figure in the city. His potential return to the mayoral office has placed him among the prominent contenders being discussed as political parties position themselves for control of the metropolitan municipality.

According to correspondence addressed to DA federal leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mashaba outlined a possible compromise aimed at breaking the political deadlock between the two parties during coalition negotiations.

Under the proposal, both Mashaba and Zille would withdraw from the mayoral contest, allowing the DA to nominate another candidate for the Johannesburg mayoralty. ActionSA would then support that candidate while seeking the position of deputy mayor in the city.

The proposal represents a significant shift in ActionSA’s approach, particularly given the tensions that have characterised relations between Mashaba and Zille.

ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont confirmed the authenticity of the letter, making it clear that the party’s objection was not necessarily directed at the DA as an organisation but specifically at Zille’s mayoral ambitions.

“Our issue in Johannesburg is not the DA; it’s Helen Zille. There remains an openness to work with all political parties, including the DA. That letter is a testament to that fact, as well as the fact that this is not all about Herman Mashaba,” Beaumont said, according to eNCA.

Johannesburg has become a major battleground in the aftermath of the 4 November local government elections, with no political party securing an outright majority to govern the metropolitan municipality independently.

The DA emerged as the largest party in the city, placing Zille in a strong position to pursue the mayoral office. However, ActionSA’s reluctance to support her has complicated efforts to establish a coalition capable of governing Johannesburg.

The disagreement has raised questions about whether the two parties can overcome their differences and reach an agreement that would provide political stability and improve service delivery.

Mashaba’s proposal could potentially offer a way forward, although the DA has yet to indicate whether it is prepared to accept the conditions.

The two parties are expected to engage in further coalition discussions as negotiations intensify across Gauteng’s metropolitan municipalities.

For now, Johannesburg’s mayoral contest remains unsettled, with the possibility of a political compromise resting on whether Zille and the DA are willing to consider Mashaba’s proposal.

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