Controversial South African poet Ntsiki Mazwai has sparked controversy once again, this time by urging South Africans to firmly reject Helen Zille’s plans to contest the mayorship of Johannesburg.
Known for her direct opinions, Mazwai did not mince her words when referring to the former leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), labelling the 74-year-old as a “white supremacist” and asserting that her leadership would be detrimental to the city and its predominantly black population.
In a viral post on X, Ntsiki expressed her concern for Zille’s ambitions to “save” the city she calls home, stating: “We cannot afford to have Helen Zille as mayor of Joburg. She is 100 million times worse than Cyril Ramaphosa.”
Mazwai highlighted her belief that Zille’s leadership style would bring about “abusive” conditions similar to those witnessed in the Western Cape, where Zille previously governed, asserting, “She wants to bring that to Joburg.”
Continuing her attack on Zille, Mazwai declared that voting for the former DA leader would be a “huge and scary mistake” that could negatively impact the black majority in Johannesburg.
She further remarked on the current mayor, Dada Morero, stating that while he was not the best option, “Anyone is better than Dada.”
As Mazwai advocates for the rejection of Zille’s candidacy, some voices have emerged in support of it.
Actor Siv Ngesi quipped that despite local resentment towards Zille, her experience and leadership could prove beneficial for Johannesburg, which he described as a “huge mess.”
@goolammv wrote: “I am not promoting Helen Zille, I am promoting what is the best for Joburg residents and Helen Zille’s record speak for itself. It’s Not about ANC, DA or any other party, if you want your work done Helen Zille track record speaks for itself. Out of thousands of cities in the world, Zille was selected as World Mayor of the Year in 2008 … It’s not about party politics, it’s about saving South Africa’s biggest Metro.”
I am not promoting Helen Zille , I am promoting what is the best for Joburg residents and Helen Zille’s record speak for itself. It’s Not about ANC, DA or any other party, if you want your work done Helen Zille track record speaks for itself. Out of thousands of cities in the… pic.twitter.com/E4Vw5daNcg
— Goolam (@goolammv) June 10, 2025
Zille confirmed to the media that she is considering the monumental task of running for mayor, stating she must submit her application by Friday, June 13.
Speaking to eNCA, she conveyed her affection for Johannesburg, saying, “Joburg is my hometown. I was born in Hillbrow, which looks very different than what it does today.”
Zille, who has faced significant backlash throughout her career for her controversial statements, stated, “If Joburg doesn’t succeed, South Africa does not succeed.”
Drawing on her personal connection to Johannesburg, Zille expressed, “I have got very deep roots and unfinished business in Johannesburg.
“I have got very deep roots and unfinished business in Johannesburg. From that point of view, I would be keen to roll up my sleeves and try and get things done there,” she said during the interview.
