Herman Mashaba had stuck to his guns and resigned as both DA member and as mayor of Johannesburg after Helen Zille was elected back into the party as federal council chairperson.
He previously expressed concerns at developments in the DA, saying he would leave the party the moment “right-wing elements” took over.
The DA became the coalition leader in Johannesburg after the 2016 local polls.
Mashaba has since enjoyed a close working relationship with the EFF, who vote on an issue basis in the council.
He also gained popularity for his efforts to revive the Joburg inner city and crack down on crime.
On Monday, DA leader Mmusi Maimane thanked Mashaba for the three years he served as mayor, calling him a hero.
Maimane said he supported the coalition government in the Johannesburg council and was one of those who urged Mashaba to reconsider his decision to resign.
Maimane had said at the press briefing: “The events that have taken place in the last couple of days are democratic and will be part of discussions in the party to charter a way forward.
“I would have preferred for Herman Mashaba to finish the term but in lieu of the circumstances, I respect his decision...you are a hero, you are a hero to me.”
Zille, who recently resigned from the Institute of Race Relations (IRR), beat Athol Trollip, Mike Waters and Thomas Walters for the federal chairperson job at the party’s federal council meeting held in Johannesburg over the weekend.