Zille Pledges Joburg Revival in Mayoral Campaign Launch

SOWETO– Democratic Alliance (DA) mayoral candidate Helen Zille vowed to reverse Johannesburg infrastructure collapse and criminal governance during her nomination acceptance speech on Saturday, framing the 2026 local elections as a final chance to rescue South Africa’s economic hub from systemic decay.

Addressing supporters at a rally in Mofolo South, Soweto, the former Western Cape, premier criticised ANC-led municipal failures – citing dry taps in Lenasia, crumbling roads on Louis Botha Avenue, and hijacked buildings in Hillbrow as symbols of institutional breakdown.

She invoked President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent praise for DA-run municipalities as outperforming ANC counterparts, declaring: “Your voters will bring the DA government here so you can see firsthand.”

Zille, a Johannesburg native, pledged to prioritise basic service delivery, professionalise city staff appointments, and combat corruption draining municipal budgets.

“Local government isn’t about ideology – it’s about fixing potholes, restoring electricity, and ensuring clean water,” she said outlining plans to tour neighbourhoods from Alexandra to Diepsloot to consult residents.

The candidate framed the election as a choice between “resignation or resurrection,” urging citizens to reject “brokenness as the new normal.” Her speech concluded with a call for citywide collaboration: “Together we can make the City of Gold shine again.”