ActionSA Weighs Mashaba Return for 2026 Johannesburg Mayoral Race
ActionSA has confirmed it is weighing a potential mayoral comeback for Herman Mashaba in the City of Johannesburg ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The move positions the party for a high-stakes political contest against Democratic Alliance candidate Helen Zille.
Speaking to the media at Parliament, Mashaba indicated that he had not ruled out standing again as Johannesburg mayor if ActionSA fails to identify a candidate matching the caliber of Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya. The decision on the party’s mayoral candidate is expected to be announced in February, according to Mashaba.
Campaign Speculation Sparked by Soweto Sighting
Speculation regarding Mashaba’s return intensified after a bakkie bearing a “Mashaba for Mayor” sticker was spotted in Soweto.
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont downplayed the sighting, suggesting the sticker might be a remnant from a previous campaign, while maintaining that the party has not yet finalized its mayoral contender.
“ActionSA has not made any decisions in respect of a mayoral candidate in Johannesburg,” Beaumont said. “The matter is still being considered, but there can be no doubt that Herman Mashaba is the only person who has demonstrably improved Joburg in recent memory.”
A History Marked by Past Coalition Friction
Mashaba previously served as the executive mayor of Johannesburg from August 22, 2016, to November 27, 2019, leading a multi-party coalition under the Democratic Alliance banner. His tenure ended abruptly when he resigned following the re-election of Helen Zille as the DA’s federal council chairperson, a development he argued signaled a return to anti-poor politics within the party.
During his parliamentary briefing, Mashaba accused Zille of undermining him during his mayoral tenure and plotting his removal through secret meetings. His potential candidacy would place him in direct competition with Zille, whom the DA in Gauteng confirmed had been interviewed as a potential mayoral candidate for Johannesburg.
Focus on Anti-Corruption and Municipal Performance
Reflecting on his time in office, Mashaba stated that he had begun dismantling corruption within the city council during his three-year term, arguing that political opponents had underestimated him.
He added that Johannesburg’s effective functioning remains critical to South Africa’s overall performance, asserting that the country cannot work if the city fails to operate optimally.
