The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s mayoral candidate in Johannesburg, Helen Zille has outlined a five-point plan for Johannesburg, promising tough action on corruption and urgent reforms to address the city’s ongoing water problems.
Speaking to Democratic Alliance (DA) supporters at Johannesburg City Hall on Saturday, the party’s mayoral candidate criticised the current leadership of Johannesburg, accusing it of allowing corruption within the municipality to flourish.
Zille said her campaign for Johannesburg would focus on restoring basic services, strengthening oversight and rebuilding public trust in the city’s administration. At the centre of her proposals is a commitment to tackle the water crisis affecting many parts of Johannesburg.
Residents in several neighbourhoods have experienced repeated disruptions to water supply in recent months. Zille said stabilising infrastructure and improving maintenance would be a priority if the DA were to lead Johannesburg.
Another key focus of the plan is combating corruption in municipal departments. Zille told supporters that officials found to be involved in wrongdoing would face swift consequences under her leadership.
“We will have honest metro police operating in every ward in the city,” she said. “There will be no mercy for corruption syndicates.”
According to Zille, corruption within Johannesburg has drained resources that should have been used to improve public services. She argued that a stronger enforcement approach is needed to prevent the misuse of municipal funds.
She also pledged to dismiss officials found guilty of corrupt practices and ensure that cases are pursued through the courts. “We will fire corrupt officials and send them to jail. They’ve been stealing money,” she said.
The DA candidate added that protecting those who report wrongdoing would be an important part of reform efforts in Johannesburg. She said a DA-led administration would encourage whistle-blowers to come forward and ensure they are safeguarded from retaliation.
Zille’s remarks come as political parties prepare for a closely contested local government race in Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s largest and most economically significant cities.
Her campaign message emphasises governance reform and service delivery, with the DA aiming to convince voters that it can stabilise Johannesburg and address long-standing administrative challenges.
