By Charmaine Ndlela
Democratic Alliance (DA) Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille says the party will prioritise efforts to attract at least 200,000 new jobs to the city over the next five years if it wins control after the upcoming local government elections.
Speaking at the launch of the party’s pledges at Johannesburg City Hall on Saturday, Zille outlined five key priorities the DA says it will implement to turn around the city, including restoring basic services and improving infrastructure.
She said the party’s governance model, which it says has been successful in DA-run metros such as the City of Cape Town, could help revive Johannesburg’s economy and rebuild public confidence.
The DA has governed Johannesburg in brief stints through coalitions since the 2016 local government elections through mayors Herman Mashaba and Dr Mpho Phalatse.
Zille said the DA’s first priority would be restoring reliable water and electricity supply for residents and businesses.
She accused the current administration of mismanaging public funds and failing to maintain critical infrastructure.
“We will stop the stealing and wasting of public money,” she said.
“Revenue paid by residents for essential services will be ring-fenced to ensure it is used to maintain and fix those services.”
Zille also said the party would partner with the private sector to invest in infrastructure to stabilise service delivery.
The second pledge focuses on improving roads and traffic management.
Zille said the DA would aim to repair potholes within 72 hours of being reported and ensure that at least 95% of traffic lights are operational at any given time.
She described Johannesburg’s traffic intersections as chaotic, saying malfunctioning traffic lights contribute to congestion, accidents and economic losses.
“Drivers sit in chaos every day. It delays workers, slows the economy, damages cars and even costs lives,” she said.
A key promise in the plan is to attract at least 200,000 new jobs to Johannesburg within five years. She did not outline which sectors these will be from.
Zille said restoring basic services and ensuring a capable local government would help bring businesses back to the city and revive economic activity.
“Johannesburg can once again become the economic powerhouse of South Africa and Africa,” she said.
She added that rebuilding the city’s economy would require partnerships with businesses, investors and residents.
Zille also pledged to strengthen law enforcement and combat corruption in the city administration.
She said the DA would reclaim hijacked buildings, prevent illegal land invasions and create safer public spaces.
“We will be unapologetically tough on crime. We will kill corruption and protect whistle-blowers,” she said.
The final pledge focuses on building a professional and efficient municipal government.
Zille said the party would appoint competent officials, reward good performance and introduce modern systems to improve service delivery and billing.
“A fair billing system and simple, user-friendly services using modern technology will be introduced,” she said.
Zille concluded by saying Johannesburg’s recovery would depend on restoring good governance and rebuilding trust between residents, businesses and the city administration.
“The DA’s signature good governance awaits Johannesburg following the local government election,” she said. “We believe in Joburg, and we will get Joburg working again.”
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