ActionSA adamant on Zille withdrawal condition as Joburg coalition talks loom
The parties are set to hold coalition talks on Thursday following the local government elections, which saw no single party secure outright majority in the city.
Alpha Ramushwana
ActionSA held a media briefing on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, on its ongoing participation within the ANC-led multiparty coalition government in Tshwane. Picture: @Action4SA/X
@Action4SA/X
While ActionSA said it is open to working with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg, it remains firmly opposed to entering into a partnership with Helen Zille.
The parties are set to hold coalition talks on Thursday following the local government elections, which saw no single party secure an outright majority in the city.
The DA emerged as the leading party in the metro, followed by the African National Congress (ANC) in second place and ActionSA third.
Political parties have less than two weeks to reach coalition agreements and elect mayors across municipal councils.
Eyewitness News has seen a leaked letter written by ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba to DA federal leader Geordin Hill-Lewis.
In the letter, Mashaba confirms he is willing to withdraw from the Johannesburg mayoral race, on condition that Zille also steps aside.
He said ActionSA is willing to work with the DA, provided Zille is not the candidate the party puts forward for mayor.
ActionSA national chairperson Michel Beaumont said these issues will be discussed during face-to-face coalition negotiations with the DA on Thursday.
“There is an openness to work with all parties, including the DA, and that letter is testament to that fact.”
The party has already met with the ANC and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).