Despite Helen Zille, the chairperson of the DA federal council, expressing interest in running for office, City of Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero has expressed confidence in his position.
The announcement follows Zille’s expression of interest in Morero’s role, which DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau said had not yet been verified because applications close on Friday.
“Would bringing a prominent figure like Zille help the DA turn things around? I don’t know what the outcome will be, and we will leave that decision to them; however, we are prepared for the work we do in Johannesburg,” said Morero.
It would be interesting to see his face against Zille, Morero said.
2026 municipal elections
He claimed that the DA might be scared of the progress seen in Joburg under his administration, and fetching someone from the Western Cape showed the party lacked confidence in its local candidates.
Morero said it might be a strategy ahead of the 2026 municipal elections but expressed confidence in the work that his administration is doing to turn the city around.
He emphasised that the focus should remain on service delivery and improvements in Johannesburg, not on political manoeuvring.
Morero said the delay in the DA recognising its own internal leadership could be contributing to political tension.
“I think the problem could be with the delay in acknowledging and recognising their own people in charge. So, we wait for these processes to begin,” said Morero.
Morero noted that the recent progress in Johannesburg, with reference to the Bomb Squad, might be prompting concern among political rivals.
He revealed that the city has assembled a new team, including former city managers, to drive its turnaround strategy.
Morero stated that the team has also contacted individuals from other political organisations to join the effort, but he did not disclose their names, as he is still waiting for confirmation of their involvement.
DA’s move questioned
He questioned whether the DA’s interest in Johannesburg is indicative of the ANC-led government’s progress.
“Is it as a result of the fact that we extended to two workers who are in the ranks of democratic rights that they are realising that something is now happening in turning around Johannesburg? Is it weakening them as a political party for the 2026 election?” asked Morero.
Morero expressed doubt about the potential introduction of Zille as a high-profile DA candidate.
The City of Tshwane mayor, Nasiphi Moya, said she only learnt about Zille’s interest in the Johannesburg mayoral position on social media.
However, Moya highlighted that each party should start thinking of its processes and candidates for 2026.
“It is interesting to see the list of candidates they would select to bring a particular person from Cape Town to the City of Joburg, but I don’t have much more to say on this matter,” said Moya.
