ZILLE CONSIDERS JOZI MAYOR POST

DA dik ding Helen Zille is considering contesting to be the next Johannesburg mayor.

The former Western Cape premier says she was approached to gooi her hat in the ring as the political parties gear up for the 2026 local government elections.

In an interview with IOL, Zille confirmed that she has been approached to become the DA’s mayoral candidate, but she is in talks with her family regarding accepting the nomination.

She says: “I have been approached to put my hat in the ring for mayor. I am still considering it and consulting my family.”

Although no deal has been reached, Zille said they have been head-hunting candidates for over a year, with potential ones showing interest.

However, she said some potential candidates have said they cannot do a huge job for the geld on offer.

She adds: “If I decide to run, I will have to go through the same gruelling selection process as everyone else.”

Zille served as the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) from 2007 to 2015 and completed two full five-year terms as Premier of the Western Cape.

Prior to this, she was elected Mayor of Cape Town in March 2006, following the DA’s emergence as the largest party in the city.