Herman Mashaba caught in his own words after Helen Zille exposes the truth behind their ugly feud

DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille has said she bears no personal grudge against ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, despite the political fallout between them, as the country awaited the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) announcement of the local government election results. Her comments underline how the rivalry between the two parties in Johannesburg is becoming a central question for the city’s coalition arithmetic.

Zille and Mashaba share a long history in Johannesburg politics. Mashaba served as the city’s mayor from 2016 to 2019 and was a prominent figure in the DA before leaving the party to form ActionSA. Since then, the two parties have competed for many of the same voters in the city, particularly middle-class residents, business owners and those frustrated with municipal service delivery. Their relationship has been shaped by public disagreements over leadership, policy and strategy, which have spilled into campaign rhetoric in the lead-up to the 4 November 2026 polls.

Zille’s position reflects a common approach in South African politics, where parties often separate personal relationships from the need to work together after elections. In a metro like Johannesburg, where no party is likely to win an outright majority on its own, the ability to negotiate with rivals can determine who controls the mayor’s office and the city’s budget. The city, which has an estimated population of more than six million people, faces persistent challenges, including water and electricity outages, failing infrastructure, potholes, and unpaid municipal bills, so the stability of its council is a matter of direct concern to residents.

The distinction Zille draws between personal and political matters is also a signal to voters and potential partners. Coalition talks in the capital will depend on whether parties can set aside past clashes and focus on shared priorities, such as improving service delivery, tackling corruption and promoting economic growth. If the DA and ActionSA are to cooperate, both will need to explain to their supporters why working together serves Johannesburg’s residents rather than simply helping one party win power.

There are also risks in the current situation. Public disputes between senior figures can make coalition agreements harder to sell internally, particularly if party members feel their leaders have been compromised. Analysts often note that coalitions in South Africa’s metros have been fragile, with several collapsing over leadership disputes and conflicting policy goals, which has led to repeated changes of mayor and administration in recent terms.

For now, the focus is on the official results. Preliminary figures will shape the bargaining positions of every party in the city, and the next stage will reveal whether Zille’s conciliatory tone translates into practical cooperation. Johannesburg residents will be watching closely to see whether the city’s politicians can move past personal rivalries and form a stable administration capable of addressing the basic services that remain a daily challenge for many communities.

SignsWonder feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com