John Steenhuisen Says He Has No Say in Helen Zille’s Mayoral Bid, SA Jokes That She’s the Boss
- John Steenhuisen opened up on Helen Zille's candidacy for a mayoral post in Johannesburg, saying he didn't have a say
- Steenhuisen stated that he was not on the selection panel, but that Zille would have to compete for the post like everyone else
- South Africans mocked Steenhuisen for his comments, saying that he had no power because Zille was his boss
- Political analyst Sanet Solomon weighed in on Zille's decision to throw her hat in the ring for the mayoral post
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The Democratic Alliance (DA) is planning to announce its mayoral candidates for the 2026 Local Government Elections, and many are curious about whether Helen Zille will be one of the names on the list.
The former Cape Town mayor and Western Cape premier has stated that she is considering making herself available to run as the Johannesburg mayoral candidate.
The Federal Chairperson is reportedly one of at least eight DA members who are keen to contest mayoral posts in Gauteng’s metros, but John Steenhuisen maintained that he has no say over who is chosen. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party rejected the idea of Zille as a mayor, saying that the DA was responsible for the destruction of Johannesburg.
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Selection panel to determine mayoral candidates
Speaking about the upcoming announcement of candidates, Steenhuisen said that Zille would have to compete for the post just like everyone else. He further explained that a selection panel, which doesn’t include him, will determine who is chosen to contest the elections next year.
"The party can't endorse any candidate until the process is completed. There are three candidates, as far as I'm aware, and that selection panel will sit in due course,” he said.
He added that the candidates would be interviewed and would have to present their plans to turn Johannesburg around if they were elected as mayor.
“They'll also have to go through a number of questions that they will have to answer," Steenhuisen confirmed.
Source: Getty Images
Political analyst shares thoughts on Zille's mayoral bid
Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, political analyst Sanet Solomon shared her thoughts on Zille's chances. She noted that the DA had a good record in the suburbs, but it didn't translate well in the townships.
"Residents in Gauteng have been dealing with poor governance and a lack of basic service delivery for years. Thus, the possible entry of someone like Zille could create the perception that the DA could govern Joburg well, given their perceived success in the Western Cape, she said.
"What should be mentioned is that the DA manages suburbs and the city centres well, but this does not always translate well in townships. When looking at Cape Town, it should be mentioned that Constantia and its neighbouring suburbs are thriving, while people struggle in townships," Solomon added.
South Africans are divided by Steenhuisen’s comment
Social media users weighed in on Steenhuisen’s comments, and while some felt that Zille was a good candidate, others mocked Steenhuisen for having no say as party leader. Even media personality Siv Ngesi supported Zille as a mayoral candidate.
Aj Smith said:
“Irrespective. We all know she is exactly what Johannesburg needs. Zille plus time equals a positive and results-driven outcome. Anyone serious about the dismal performance of Johannesburg to date will vote for her, should she stand for Mayor of Johannesburg.”
Quinton Lesch stated:
“This serves as proof that John Steenhuisen is on his way out. He has systematically been sidelined; therefore, this reply. John will be phased out or redeployed in due course. The DA has consolidated its energy, and they are keeping tight-lipped about everything, especially after the Liam Jacobs fiasco. This is the DA's way to calm the storm. We aren't stupid.”
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Xolani Khabazela joked:
“She's his senior anyway. He needs to show her some respect.”
Ntodeni Khorommbi added:
“Because Helen is the boss.”
Thapelo Dlamini said:
“That position is for Helen Zille. There's no one better than her. Johannesburg needs her.”
Mkhululi Ngqeza added:
“It's your boss, you can't say no.”
Khotso Mzupasainyova Shomang stated:
“John is just a puppet president.”
Zille considers running for mayoral post
Briefly News reported that Zille said she was thinking about running for the mayor of Johannesburg.
The Democratic Alliance's federal chair said that Johannesburg was in dire need of fixing.
Zille said she would have to talk to her family about the possibility before she made a decision.
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Source: Briefly News
