Zibi Accuses Zille of Using ‘Otter Helen Marie’ as Pseudonym on Joburg Mayoral List

RISE Mzansi president Songezo Zibi has questioned the name used by Democratic Alliance (DA) Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille on the official election candidate list. He also raised concerns about whether she meets the residency requirements for someone seeking to serve on the Johannesburg council.

Speaking at a RISE Mzansi event, Zibi claimed that Zille appears on the list under the name “Otter Helen Marie”. He argued that voters searching for her using her commonly known name might not find her on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) list. Zibi also questioned whether someone who has spent much of their political career in Cape Town meets the legal requirements to contest a position in Johannesburg.

Zille’s registered name is Otta Helene Maree, following her marriage to Johann Maree. The name cited by Zibi appears to be a variation of her registered name. Born in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, in 1951, Zille has spent a significant part of her political career in the Western Cape, where she previously served as Cape Town mayor and Western Cape premier.

The DA has selected the 75-year-old politician to lead its campaign for Johannesburg ahead of the November 2026 local government elections. Her campaign has focused on addressing the city’s service delivery challenges, including potholes, flooding and deteriorating infrastructure.

Zille has described the upcoming election as an important opportunity to improve the city’s situation. Her candidacy, however, has attracted criticism from Zibi, who previously questioned why a senior politician from Cape Town should be brought in to lead Johannesburg instead of a local candidate.

Other political parties have also raised concerns about the residency rules governing candidates who have spent extended periods living outside the areas they intend to represent.

The DA has not publicly responded to Zibi’s latest allegations. The party’s position on the issues he raised therefore remains unclear.

The Johannesburg mayoral contest is expected to be competitive, with no party widely expected to secure an outright majority. This could make coalition negotiations necessary after the election.

Zille has indicated that the DA would only participate in a coalition arrangement capable of governing effectively. Otherwise, she said, the party would be prepared to serve in opposition.

As political parties intensify their campaigns, Johannesburg residents continue to demand improvements in water supply, electricity, road maintenance and public safety. The debate surrounding Zille’s candidacy has added another issue for voters to consider as they assess the candidates, their experience and their plans for the city.

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