- DA members are vying to become the party’s mayoral candidates ahead of next year’s local government elections.
- In Johannesburg, candidates include caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, who faces scrutiny over a controversy linked to her husband, and DA federal chair Helen Zille, who is considering a return.
- In Tshwane, former mayor Cilliers Brink remains a frontrunner, while in Ekurhuleni, all signs point to Tania Campbell stepping aside, clearing the way for new candidates.
As the DA gears up for next year’s local government elections, internal jostling has begun among party members vying to be considered as mayoral candidates across Gauteng’s three metros – Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
With the party in the final stages of selecting councillor candidates, City Press understands that at least eight DA members have thrown their names into the hat for the Johannesburg mayoral candidacy, with some sources suggesting the contest could be one of the party’s most contested races in recent years.
According to newly appointed DA campaign manager Ashor Sarupen, the party has received thousands of applications for councillor positions across the country – possibly the highest number so far submitted to the DA for public office.
“So far, it’s been very good. We’ve had several thousand applications,” Sarupen said. “It might well be the highest number of applications we’ve received for public office in the DA, which is very encouraging.”
Johannesburg: Zille weighs her options as leadership hopefuls line up
Helen Zille, the DA’s federal council chairperson, has confirmed that she is considering making herself available to run as Johannesburg’s mayoral candidate.
Zille confirmed that she had been approached to take on the role, but was yet to make a final decision. She noted that her family remained an important consideration.
“My grandchildren are my entire world,” she said, indicating that her decision would hinge on discussions with her family, who live in Cape Town.
Zille emphasised that if she did decide to stand, she would have to undergo the “exact same gruelling selection process as everyone else”.
I love Johannesburg, and I’m convinced there’s an opportunity for the DA to overtake the ANC as the largest party in the City of Gold.
Helen Zille
Another person believed to be in contention for the DA’s Johannesburg mayoral candidacy is current DA Joburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku. She replaced former Joburg mayor Mpho Phalatse as caucus leader in 2023 and has publicly stated her vision for the city. However, sources say her chances may be dampened by some controversies she’s been caught up in.
In April last year, a News24 report revealed that Kayser‑Echeozonjoku allegedly owed City Power more than R400 000 in unpaid bills across at least four properties.
Kayser-Echeozonjoku was embroiled in a dispute with City Power over allegations that a building linked to her husband was significantly behind on municipal payments. She denied any wrongdoing and suggested the issue was part of a political smear campaign against her within the DA. City Power, however, maintained that its focus was on recovering arrears, not on politics.
Additionally, a senior DA source told City Press that “the party is worried about her husband’s reputation”.
There were allegations about her husband being implicated and involved in one of those hijacked buildings in Joburg that were said to be owing the city money. There is worry that will be detrimental to the party’s image and cause concern if she ever becomes mayor, on the basis that her husband may attain some sort of power from her mayorship.
Source
She had also received criticism on social media about her spouse’s nationality; he is Nigerian.
While Kayser-Echeozonjoku has not publicly confirmed her candidacy, insiders say she is “treading carefully” in the contest.
Other candidates in Johannesburg include:
- Solomon Maila, the DA’s Johannesburg shadow member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for public safety and former campaign head for Phalatse in 2023;
- Bongani Nkomo, shadow MMC for economic development in Johannesburg; and
- Vasco da Gama, the former City of Johannesburg speaker who was ousted via a motion of no confidence in 2022.
READ:
‘I’ll do anything to save this city’ – Helen Zille considers DA mayoral run in Joburg
Tshwane: Brink eyes a return; Mathebe and Uys also in the mix
In the City of Tshwane, former mayor Cilliers Brink is expected to contest for a return to the mayoral seat.
Brink was removed through a motion of no confidence in September, supported by the ANC, the EFF and ActionSA. His former deputy, Nasiphi Moya, was elected mayor in October under the new ANC-EFF-ActionSA coalition.
Other names under consideration in Tshwane include:
- Jacqui Uys, former MMC for finance in Tshwane; and
- Katlego Mathebe, former speaker of the Tshwane council, also removed through a motion of no confidence led by the ANC and the EFF.
The contest in Tshwane is expected to be tight, with insiders suggesting that Brink remains a strong contender, but Mathebe and Uys could emerge as consensus candidates if intra-party dynamics shift closer to candidate finalisation.
READ:
DA closes in on record councillor candidate pool for 2026 elections — ‘We’re going for growth,’ says campaign manager
Ekurhuleni: Campbell bows out
The Ekurhuleni race has also begun to take shape, with several new names emerging as former DA mayor Tania Campbell steps aside from active contestation.
Campbell, who led the municipality during an unstable coalition period, has since relinquished her caucus leadership role. Sources suggest that some DA members were frustrated by what they described as her proximity to the EFF during her tenure.
“She was seen as too close to the EFF and that didn’t sit well with some of the members,” a party insider said.
Potential candidates in Ekurhuleni include:
- Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, a former MMC for community safety and current member of the Gauteng legislature;
- Malcolm Maifala, a ward councillor in Alberton;
- Lucky Dinake, the DA current chief whip in Ekurhuleni; and
- Raymond Dlamini, a former DA speaker in Ekurhuleni.
Each of these candidates brings a combination of political and administrative experience to the table.
The DA’s leadership selection process has often been intense and highly competitive, especially in major urban centres such as Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, where power can easily swing, depending on coalition dynamics.
Sarupen said that, while the volume of applications was unprecedented, the DA remained committed to “finding the best and most credible candidates”.
“It’s about getting the best possible leaders who are passionate about their communities and who can help turn our towns and cities around,” he said.
The local government elections could see a reshaped electoral landscape, especially with the ANC’s support dipping nationally, and newer political formations such as the MK Party, ActionSA and Rise Mzansi gaining traction.