Herman Mashaba Open to Johannesburg Mayoral Run If ActionSA Lacks Candidate

Will Herman Mashaba Reclaim Johannesburg? ActionSA Weighs Mayoral Options

The political landscape in Gauteng is heating up as ActionSA considers its options for the upcoming local government elections. Former Johannesburg mayor, Herman Mashaba, has indicated he is open to running again, but only if the party cannot find a suitable candidate. This development sets the stage for a potentially fierce contest with the DA and other parties.

Mashaba's Conditional Return to Johannesburg

Herman Mashaba, who served as mayor of Johannesburg from 2016 to 2019 under the Democratic Alliance (DA), has stated he would only consider running again if ActionSA is unable to find a strong candidate. He emphasized the need for "black excellence" in leadership, suggesting that Johannesburg deserves a leader who truly represents its people. While acknowledging his age (66), Mashaba insists he still has the energy to serve and is primarily focused on finding a young, capable leader for Johannesburg.

ActionSA's Gauteng Strategy: Focusing on Key Metros

ActionSA is significantly expanding its reach, planning to contest at least 42 municipalities in the upcoming elections, a substantial increase from the six it contested in 2021. The party has announced Xolani Khumalo as its mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni, highlighting its commitment to fielding strong candidates. Mashaba has identified the three Gauteng metros – Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni – as critical to ActionSA's success. He claims ActionSA can deliver tangible results, citing the R16 billion investment secured in Tshwane under Nasiphi Moya's leadership.

Potential Mayoral Face-Off: Mashaba vs. Zille

The possibility of Mashaba facing off against Helen Zille, the DA's mayoral candidate, in Johannesburg has sparked considerable interest. A clash between the two would be highly significant, given Mashaba's previous departure from the DA following disagreements. Mashaba claims that Lindiwe Mazibuko, a former DA parliamentary leader, approached him to be ActionSA's mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, a claim Mazibuko denies.

Analyst Perspectives on ActionSA's Approach

Political analysts have weighed in on ActionSA's strategy, with some cautioning against relying solely on "big names." Daniel Silke notes that a candidate's popularity does not guarantee their ability to manage the complexities of a large metro. Dr Rene Oosthuizen suggests that Mashaba's emphasis on headline-grabbing announcements could obscure deeper questions about the party's policy clarity. Piet Croucamp describes Khumalo as a controversial figure and suggests his views align with those of Kenny Kunene and Gayton McKenzie.

ANC's Candidate in Johannesburg Remains Uncertain

The African National Congress (ANC) has yet to announce its mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, leaving current mayor Dada Morero in a state of uncertainty. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula admitted that the party is not yet ready to name its candidate, with the upcoming regional conference expected to play a crucial role in the selection process. Whether it’s Mashaba, Zille, Khumalo, or an ANC pick, the stakes are high as Johannesburg grapples with service delivery backlogs and corruption scandals.