Herman Mashaba resigns as mayor of Johannesburg

Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Herman Mashaba has resigned as mayor and from the DA.

This follows after the DA’s federal council appointed Helen Zille as its chairperson on 20 October. 

Mashaba said he could not work under a DA that had elected Zille as the federal council chairperson. According to Mashaba, the DA had been against his pro-poor approach in governing the City of Johannesburg but he was happy he would be leaving the municipality in a better condition.

Mashaba added that the group of people who had taken over the DA would cause the collapse of the multi-party coalition in the City of Johannesburg. He said in the coalition government, the DA had been a difficult partner and had undermined his approach.

Mashaba said he was aware that the DA could terminate his membership which was their right but he hoped he could stay until the end of November to attend to pressing issues he’d been handling in the City. He added that leading the City of Johannesburg had been hard but he was proud of the work he had done.

He also thanked Mmusi Maimane for affording him the opportunity to lead the City of Johannesburg.

Maimane said it was a difficult day for the people of Johannesburg and that he and Mashaba had the same vision of a better South Africa for all where black and white people worked together.

Maimane says he would've preferred Mashaba to serve full term but due to circumstances he will serve until 27 November for a proper handover of projects @NE_Tribune

— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) October 21, 2019

Maimane says MMCs should continue with their work and thanks Mashaba for his work @NE_Tribune

— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) October 21, 2019

Mayor Herman Mashaba has resigned and will serve notice until 27 November. No opportunity was granted for asking questions @NE_Tribune

— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) October 21, 2019

Related article:

ANC withdraws motion of no confidence against Joburg Mayor Herman Mashaba