Johannesburg's four leading mayoral candidates have made their closing arguments to voters, with promises of renewal, better services and tougher governance, but sharply different visions for the city's future. The candidates, Helen Zille of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Dada Morero of the African National Congress (ANC), Herman Mashaba of ActionSA, and Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), used interviews on 702's Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa to make their cases for why residents should give them their vote.
DA candidate Helen Zille argued that Johannesburg could follow the example of better-run DA-governed cities, while ANC incumbent Dada Morero defended his party's record and acknowledged the city's service delivery challenges. Zille described the election as a choice between beginning Johannesburg's recovery and pushing it further into decline. She also highlighted her previous executive experience, saying it had taught her how to navigate local government legislation, work with unions and appoint people capable of doing their jobs.
ActionSA's Herman Mashaba said he had unfinished business after leaving the mayor's office in 2019, while EFF candidate Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng called for a radical change in how the city is governed. Mashaba proposed giving the private sector long leases on city properties to provide affordable accommodation and create job opportunities. However, his interview made clear that coalition negotiations could be complicated, particularly with the DA.
The interviews also exposed potential complications in the coalition negotiations that could follow the election, particularly between the DA and ActionSA. Mashaba accused Zille of having worked with ANC leaders to remove him from office during his previous term and repeated his refusal to work with her. Zille, for her part, said she had no personal animosity towards Mashaba and was focused on getting Johannesburg working again.
ANC incumbent Dada Morero said his party was making a final push to retain control of Johannesburg and believed it would perform better in the election. However, he confirmed that the ANC had not yet settled on its mayoral candidate should it retain power. The party had shortlisted three candidates and would make its final decision after the election results were announced, but before the new council was constituted.
EFF mayoral candidate Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng argued that Johannesburg needed to move away from what she described as an adversarial relationship between the municipality and its residents. She said the EFF wanted to restore the city's dignity and create a municipality that supported residents and businesses rather than simply collecting debts. Her proposals include introducing ward-based people's assemblies, giving residents a more direct role in council decisions and ensuring greater oversight of municipal finances.
The local government elections are just days away, and the candidates' final pitches have provided voters with a clear understanding of their visions for the city's future. With 270 seats up for grabs in Johannesburg's council, the outcome of the election will have a significant impact on the city's governance and service delivery. Voters will have to decide which candidate's vision aligns best with their needs and expectations for the city.
Key points
- DA candidate Helen Zille has proposed that Johannesburg follow the example of better-run DA-governed cities to address its challenges.
- ActionSA's Herman Mashaba has proposed giving the private sector long leases on city properties to provide affordable accommodation and create job opportunities.
- EFF candidate Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng has called for a radical change in how the city is governed, including introducing ward-based people's assemblies and giving residents a more direct role in council decisions.
