POWER CHAT | Helen Zille on how to fix Johannesburg & the future of the Government of National Unity

In this episode of Power Chat, Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee speaks with the Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance, Helen Zille; they discuss the state of Johannesburg, the challenges of fixing a broken city, and the role of voters in driving change. Zille highlights the impact of cadre deployment, the importance of skilled councillors, and the Democratic Alliance’s strategy for the 2026/2027 elections. Zille contrasts DA-led governance with Johannesburg’s decline, outlining the time and effort needed to rebuild. She also discusses the party’s candidate selection process and the early progress of the Government of National Unity (GNU). A sharp conversation about leadership, governance, and the future of South Africa’s metros. 

0:00 Introduction – The broken state of Johannesburg and the councillor selection process 
0:58 The calibre of DA councillor candidates in Johannesburg 
2:15 The harsh realities of being a local councillor 
3:53 DA’s electoral strategy for 2026/2027 
5:13 Proportional representation and the chances of majority governments 
6:32 Comparing DA- and ANC-governed areas – tangible differences in service delivery 
7:28 The role of local government in service delivery and reducing inequality 
9:06 Johannesburg’s decline – visible decay and infrastructure failures 
10:25 The long road to fixing Johannesburg – why voter support is key 
12:15 The multifaceted role of a local councillor 
13:26 Personal experiences and challenges of being a councillor 
14:15 Combating patronage and corruption in councillor selection 
15:56 Thoughts on the progress of the Government of National Unity (GNU) 
18:36 Conclusion 

Produced by: Emilie Gambade & Bernard Kotze Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a Maverick Insider. https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/insider/