Helen Zille might run for mayor of Johannesburg. The DA federal chair faces a June 15 deadline to apply. Three business candidates already turned down the party's offer because the job pays poorly and demands heavy work. Mayors earn around R1.5 million yearly.
Zille wants to stay near her Cape Town family. Her husband will remain at their retirement village. She would live with her sister in Emmarentia if elected. The 82-year-old husband supports her choice but refuses to move.
Johannesburg faces serious problems that worry Zille. Traffic lights stopped working across the city since 2019. Water and power cuts happen daily. The infrastructure needs R200 billion in repairs against an R86 billion annual budget.
Several DA councillors plan to compete against Zille. Candidates must pass screening tests and present city improvement plans. Fifteen party leaders will judge their presentations. The DA believes it can win the city from the current ANC coalition.
Zille previously fixed Cape Town as mayor starting in 2006. She estimates Johannesburg needs more than five years to recover. The city staff grew 86 percent since 2010. Local elections happen in late 2026 or early 2027.
Zille wants to stay near her Cape Town family. Her husband will remain at their retirement village. She would live with her sister in Emmarentia if elected. The 82-year-old husband supports her choice but refuses to move.
Johannesburg faces serious problems that worry Zille. Traffic lights stopped working across the city since 2019. Water and power cuts happen daily. The infrastructure needs R200 billion in repairs against an R86 billion annual budget.
Several DA councillors plan to compete against Zille. Candidates must pass screening tests and present city improvement plans. Fifteen party leaders will judge their presentations. The DA believes it can win the city from the current ANC coalition.
Zille previously fixed Cape Town as mayor starting in 2006. She estimates Johannesburg needs more than five years to recover. The city staff grew 86 percent since 2010. Local elections happen in late 2026 or early 2027.
