HERMAN MASHABA WANTS A COALITION WITH HELEN ZILLE, NOT THE ANC, AS THE BATTLE FOR JOHANNESBURG’S NEXT GOVERNMENT INTENSIFIES
South Africa’s 2026 local government election results have placed Johannesburg at the centre of another major political battle, with parties now facing difficult negotiations to determine who will control the City of Johannesburg.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has emerged as an important figure in the coalition discussions. His preferred political direction is becoming a major talking point, particularly regarding the possibility of working with the DA under Helen Zille rather than entering an arrangement with the ANC.
The ANC, meanwhile, faces a difficult political situation following its losses in several major metropolitan municipalities, including Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
With approximately 99% of votes counted in the figures cited in the report, the ANC stood at 30.88% nationally. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula described the party’s electoral performance as catastrophic, while indicating that the organisation would rather sit in opposition than accept coalition arrangements it considers unfavourable.
In Johannesburg, the political situation is particularly complicated. Helen Zille’s ambitions to become the city’s next mayor have faced resistance, with ActionSA raising concerns about her previous involvement in the city’s coalition politics.
However, the DA’s potential path into the Johannesburg government will depend on whether it can secure enough support from other political parties.
Other parties that could influence the negotiations include ActionSA, the MK Party, the Patriotic Alliance and the EFF. Their positions and willingness to cooperate with different political groupings could determine the final shape of the city’s administration.
The ANC will also have to consider its options as it attempts to remain influential in Johannesburg’s political future.
For now, no final coalition agreement or mayoral outcome should be assumed. Negotiations will determine whether Johannesburg gets a DA-led administration, an ANC-led arrangement or another coalition combination.
The big question is whether Herman Mashaba and Helen Zille can find common ground and assemble enough political support to govern Johannesburg.
Who do you think should lead Johannesburg?