ActionSA willing to work with DA – but there’s a catch
· The South African
ActionSA has ruled out supporting Helen Zille as Johannesburg mayor but says it remains willing to negotiate a coalition agreement with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
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The party’s national chairperson, Michael Beaumont, confirmed its position as negotiations continue following last week’s local government elections.
The DA secured approximately 34% of the vote in Johannesburg, making it the largest party in the metro but leaving it short of the majority needed to govern alone.
ACTIONSA DRAWS THE LINE ON ZILLE
Beaumont said ActionSA’s objections were directed at Zille rather than the DA.
He accused the DA’s mayoral candidate of undermining previous coalition arrangements in Johannesburg.
ActionSA fears that a coalition led by Zille could face further instability.
“We are open to negotiating with the DA,” Beaumont said during an interview on Monday.
He confirmed that ActionSA had contacted the party and was awaiting a meeting date.
MASHABA PROPOSES COMPROMISE
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has reportedly offered to withdraw from the Johannesburg mayoral race if Zille does the same.
In a letter dated 7 November to DA federal leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mashaba proposed allowing the DA to nominate another mayoral candidate whom ActionSA could support.
The proposal would allow the DA to retain the Johannesburg mayoral position without Zille taking office.
It also forms part of broader discussions involving the leadership of Gauteng’s metropolitan municipalities, including Tshwane.
COALITION TALKS CONTINUE
ActionSA has already held discussions with the African National Congress (ANC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as parties negotiate agreements in municipalities without outright majorities.
Johannesburg remains a key focus after voters left the city with no single party able to govern independently.
The DA has maintained its position that Zille should become mayor.
However, ActionSA’s refusal to support her has placed the mayoral candidate at the centre of negotiations between the two parties.
The parties have yet to reach an agreement on Johannesburg’s next administration.