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Former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba has indicated that he may return to the city’s top political office, this time flying the flag of his own party, ActionSA.
Such a move would set up a high-profile contest with Democratic Alliance figure Helen Zille, whom Mashaba on Thursday described as a “dark force”, accusing her of playing a role in his departure from the DA in 2019.
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Speaking at a press briefing at Parliament, Mashaba said the decision would ultimately depend on whether ActionSA identifies a mayoral candidate with the right experience and leadership credentials ahead of the next local government race.
ActionSA weighs Johannesburg mayoral options
Mashaba said ActionSA is currently assessing potential candidates to contest the Johannesburg mayoral position. He singled out Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya as the calibre of leader the party is seeking.
“If the party does not find a candidate of the calibre of its Tshwane mayor, Nasiphi Moya, he could decide to make another go for the position,” Mashaba said, making it clear that he has not closed the door on a personal comeback.
The ActionSA leader also reflected on his previous term as mayor, saying that during his three years in office he had begun to tackle entrenched corruption within the Johannesburg city council.
Mashaba renews criticism of Helen Zille
Mashaba reiterated claims that he has been underestimated by his political opponents, including Zille, whom he alleges orchestrated efforts to push him out of the DA.
“They did not realise Herman Mashaba is born a gambler. I’m a trader. I’ve got my ears and eyes on the ground, so I came to know about these secret meetings. I find it really interesting and very strange that the very same person behind these dark, evil forces is the same person earmarked to be the mayor of the city of Johannesburg.”
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He added that ActionSA would soon provide clarity on its Johannesburg plans, including whether he will formally enter the race.
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“If it means I must be the one available and my party’s happy with that, an announcement will be made sometime in February.”
Mashaba also stressed the strategic importance of the city, arguing that Johannesburg’s performance has national consequences. Without a properly functioning Johannesburg, he said, South Africa itself cannot operate effectively.
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