Democratic Alliance (DA) mayoral candidate Helen Zille’s bid to lead Johannesburg has come under scrutiny over the party’s governing record, with ANC Gauteng MPL Greg Schneemann questioning whether the DA’s model can address the city’s inequality and service-delivery challenges.
Schneemann, in an opinion piece sent to Africa Daily, argues that Zille’s candidacy should be judged not only on her public statements but also on the DA’s record in municipalities where it has governed.
He questions why the DA has been reluctant to campaign strongly on its record in Gauteng, where it has previously led coalition governments in several metros.
Schneemann argues that coalition instability, declining service delivery, irregular expenditure and weak financial controls should form part of the debate around the DA’s ability to govern Johannesburg.
He also criticises what he describes as the party’s tendency to blame junior coalition partners for the breakdown of coalition administrations.
According to Schneemann, the DA’s difficulties in managing coalitions raise questions about whether ideological differences and political disagreements can be overcome in a city as complex as Johannesburg.
He also turns his attention to Cape Town, which has long been presented by the DA as its flagship municipality.
Schneemann argues that the DA’s governing model in Cape Town has failed to adequately address the city’s apartheid-era spatial inequality and housing challenges.
He points to the Constitutional Court’s July 2026 judgment concerning the Tafelberg site in Sea Point.
The court found that both the City of Cape Town and Western Cape government had failed to meet certain constitutional obligations relating to the provision of well-located affordable housing and the redress of spatial injustice.
Schneemann argues that the Tafelberg case illustrates the tensions between market-driven development and the need for affordable housing in well-located areas.
He also raises concerns about the cost of living and property prices in Cape Town, pointing to reports of rapidly increasing property values and displacement pressures in parts of the city.
The piece further questions the DA’s approach to service delivery, particularly its support for greater private-sector involvement and outsourcing.
Schneemann argues that Johannesburg needs to rebuild state capacity rather than rely on what he describes as another “privatisation experiment”.
He says the city requires an administration capable of rebuilding municipal institutions, improving basic services and addressing inequality.
Zille’s campaign has focused heavily on fixing Johannesburg’s failing services, improving municipal management and attracting investment.
Schneemann, however, argues that the central question is whether the governing philosophy represented by Zille will prioritise investment and market efficiency or place greater emphasis on transformation, equity and rebuilding public institutions.
The commentary comes ahead of the 2026 local government elections, with Johannesburg expected to be a major focus of political competition.
Schneemann concludes that Zille’s candidacy should therefore be assessed in the context of the broader DA governing model and its record in municipalities where it has held power.
Please visit our Opinion Page to read Greg Schneemann’s unedited opinion piece.
