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

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[corneliacoetz]

Hats off to you Helen! Our Iron Lady, always on top of your subjects. Blessings to you.

[jphavenga]

Helen Zille is a proper stateswoman .... she has my utmost respect👍

[eugenekwan]

Madame Zille
I support all your understanding and thinking around the fixing of Johannesburg. The extent to which the ANC has allowed our city to deteriorate is appalling. Fixing the traffic lights is allied to policing… replacing cut poles after cable has been stolen also needs to be policed. Law enforcement agencies have become 8:00 to 16:00 “occupations” where the law enforcement staff are home at 18:00 and the state’s vehicle are considered to be “company cars”. We’re behind the DA! Let’s weed out the ANC and take back our city

[ChrisJackson-ci]

Thank you Helen for your usual very Wise comments on the current Political Landscape

[BobbyJones]

Mrs Zille a blessing too few appreciate. Citizens of Jhb need to rid themselves the ANC evil that has befallen them

[devanchetty]

Helen Zille always makes sense and does not waffle. She speaks with facts and a straight shooter.

[Jojo-lh]

The country need people of your character Hellen. You are very patriotic. You are honest. You work hard. You dont do corruption. Those not honest those who are corrupt will not like or love you but the time will come. Bad things will never stay forever. Keep it up Hellen, we love you

[Serenity-]

Helen deserves the highest accolades for her dedication to serving our country.. she must be made of steel.. Helen you have our deepest respect..

[deliafunk]

You are the best Helen, I am so relieved that you are here, making it work, thank you!

[susanhulme]

I am always impressed with Helen Zille.Respect!

[jeanstrachan]

We have the best DA Councilor in Ward: 10 KZN.

[marcuskelly]

Helen, you just a Star. Thank you for your wonderful dedicated service to South Africa. You will always be appreciated and never forgotten. Your time is precious 💕

[stevenstap]

Helen could be a very good candidate as the President of SA.
She has the will and the power and determination to turn this country around.
Rob Hersov and a few others working with Helen Zille would change the direction we currently find ourselves heading.
She has my support

[mossfairy]

Well said Helen
God we need you to be in charge ..
Things will change for the better for all

[devanchetty]

Zille will be a very good President of our country.

[dudleygraham]

Please ensure this interview is translated into Zulu and other African languages then distributed to SABC, DSTV. People need to hear why voting is so important to bring about change in our country....

[CrazyMarty]

Helen, please please … we need you to run Jhb !

[YyDd-pv]

Spot on Mrs Suzmann
the voters get what they deserve

[truthpanther]

The DA is the only party that can reduce, if not end economic hardships in this country. Their policies make sense and they have a good track record when it comes to governance.

[samungwenya-dc]

The Da has to get a majority here in johannesburg so that life can just go back to normal.