ActionSA has signalled that a coalition agreement with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg remains possible, but the party is standing firm against Helen Zille becoming the city’s next mayor.
In a proposed compromise, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has offered to withdraw his own mayoral ambitions if Zille also steps aside, paving the way for the DA to nominate another candidate.
The proposal was contained in a letter Mashaba addressed to DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis as negotiations over the city’s political future gather momentum.
Mashaba proposes compromise to break deadlock
Mashaba’s proposal seeks to move the disagreement away from a contest between himself and Zille by suggesting that both candidates withdraw from the race.
Under the arrangement, ActionSA would support the election of another DA candidate to the mayoral office.
The offer highlights the possibility of cooperation between the two parties, despite their differences over who should lead Johannesburg.
ActionSA says Zille is the sticking point
ActionSA has maintained that it does not oppose working with the DA in Johannesburg, but has consistently rejected an arrangement that would place Zille in the mayor’s office.
National chairperson Michael Beaumont confirmed that the leaked letter was authentic and said the party’s objection was directed at Zille rather than the DA as a whole.
“Our issue in Johannesburg is not the DA; it’s Helen Zille,” Beaumont said.
He added that the letter demonstrated ActionSA’s willingness to work with other political parties and showed that the negotiations were not simply about securing the mayoral position for Mashaba.
DA and ActionSA prepare for coalition negotiations
The proposal comes as political parties negotiate possible governing arrangements in Johannesburg.
Mashaba and Zille have been at odds over the city’s leadership, creating a major obstacle to a potential agreement between their parties.
The DA and ActionSA are scheduled to meet on Thursday for coalition discussions.