In a spirited call to action, former Western Cape Premier and Democratic Alliance (DA) mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille, addressed residents in Soweto, urging them to harness their voting power in the upcoming 2026 local government elections. During the event where her candidacy was announced, Zille underscored the potential for residents to initiate significant change in a city grappling with socio-economic challenges.
“Joburg residents have the power to reverse the decline of the city,” Zille asserted. She emphasised the importance of active civic engagement, reminding those present that in a democracy, the might of the people outweighs that of their government, provided they are willing to utilise it. “They can vote for change. They can evict a bad government and demand better. The greatest risk facing Joburg is that their people resign themselves to the path of failure and give up on her promise. We are here to say, we will not give up,” she stated, reinforcing the DA’s commitment to revitalising Johannesburg.
The DA leader, John Steenhuisen, joined Zille on stage, framing the urgency of the moment. He cautioned voters against supporting smaller parties in the upcoming elections, which he claimed have contributed to Johannesburg’s entrenched instability through coalition governance. “But you know what Johannesburg doesn’t have? Leadership,” Steele said. According to him, the city is currently enduring a phase of “decay management” rather than effective governance. Steenhuisen placed the blame for this disarray on what he characterised as a leadership vacuum, calling for a decisive change in direction.
The socio-economic landscape of Johannesburg is stark, with high unemployment rates and persistent inequality reflecting the ongoing impacts of apartheid. As Zille and Steenhuisen rallied support, their message resounded with urgency: it is crucial for residents to mobilise together to reclaim their city from what they identify as failing leadership.