Zille eyes Joburg mayoral chain as City battles ‘total collapse’

By Johnathan Paoli

Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille has reportedly been considering a return to frontline politics by running for Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg in the 2026 local government elections.

Zille told journalists she had been approached by colleagues to run for the mayoralty of South Africa’s largest city, but has not yet made a decision.

“I have been approached to put my hat in the ring for mayor. I am still considering it and consulting my family,” she said, adding that she would be required to undergo the same internal selection process as any other DA aspirant.

The potential candidacy has ignited intense political debate, drawing both praise for her leadership track record and fierce criticism over the DA’s racial politics.

Zille, who previously served as Cape Town mayor (2006–2009) and Western Cape Premier (2009–2019), is widely regarded as one of the DA’s