Zille states Johannesburg residents have normalized living in a collapsing city
DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille believes Johannesburg residents have forgotten what it is like to live in a functional municipality. Speaking in Orange Grove, Zille stated that residents are so resilient they tolerate poor service delivery, which she considers abnormal. She emphasized that when services collapse, people adjust and it becomes a new normal, but she aims to bring back a better normal. Zille expressed her personal motivation to address issues in Johannesburg, her hometown, and noted that collapsing service delivery and detached municipal officials diminish residents' pride in their city. At the same event, DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis commented on the party's campaign for local government elections, stating it is on track and that the DA is a party for all South Africans, aiming to make every town and city work for everyone. DA federal chairperson Solly Msimanga added that functional local government brings dignity to residents and is essential for a working national government.