'X-Repo' Host Xolani Maphanga Endorses Helen Zille for Johannesburg Mayor Ahead of Local Elections
- X-Repo host Xolani Maphanga appeared at a 'Believe in Joburg' rally on 8 August 2026 to show his support for Helen Zille
- The Moja Love TV personality backed Zille's mayoral bid ahead of the 4 November 2026 local government elections
- Moja Love colleague Xolani Khumalo is also in the political arena, running for the Ekurhuleni mayoral seat as an ActionSA candidate
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Source: UGC
Moja Love TV's X-Repo host Xolani Maphanga has thrown his weight behind Helen Zille in her bid to become the Mayor of Johannesburg, making his position public at an energetic political rally just weeks before the country heads to the polls.
Maphanga took to the stage at the "Believe in Joburg" rally held on 8 August 2026 at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg. Footage from the Democratic Alliance (DA) event, filmed indoors with attendees recording the moment on their phones, shows the popular TV personality at a podium bearing the words "Believe in Joburg," his image projected on a large screen behind him as the crowd buzzed with excitement.
Maphanga is not the only figure from the Moja Love stable making waves in politics ahead of the 4 November 2026 local government elections. His colleague Xolani Khumalo is contesting the Ekurhuleni mayoral seat as an ActionSA candidate, drawing attention to the television channel's apparent ties to opposition politics.
The dual involvement of Moja Love personalities in opposition party campaigns has not gone unnoticed by South Africans online, with some questioning the channel's editorial independence and others defending Maphanga's right to back whoever he chooses.
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Watch the rally footage that sparked the debate below:
Mzansi reacts after Xolani Maphanga backs Helen Zille
The video quickly split opinions across social media. Here's what people had to say:
@Absolute_Kganki remarked:
"The progressive forces are going to unite against her, but good luck."
@Ntiyiso_Jb highlighted:
"He is entitled to join any movement he wants."
@KhubiM claimed:
"Politics of the stomach."
@Kgism_Bogoshi said:
"His right, his choice ... the revolution must just go on..maybe one day we will totally be free once all sellouts have isolated themselves."
@Mlumthe alleged:
"That X guy is an actor. This is all just another gig for him."
@kenny_monei asked:
"Isn't Moja Love aligned with Action SA?"
@Yuza_Mhlave claimed:
"The owners of Moja Love are DA. Not a surprise at all."
Sizwe Dhlomo hints at his choice for Joburg mayor
Xolani Maphanga isn't the only celebrity to endorse a Joburg mayoral candidate ahead of the local government elections.
Briefly News previously reported that Sizwe Dhlomo dropped a surprising hint about who he plans to vote for as Johannesburg mayor.
The broadcaster's response stunned followers, including a notable EFF leader who reacted in the comments,
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Source: Briefly News
