Helen Zille to not return to DA top leadership, focuses on Johannesburg mayoral bid

Former DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille has stated she will not seek a return to the party's top leadership structure after this year's elective congress. Zille, who has been accused of maintaining significant influence within the DA, told The Citizen that her work in stabilizing the party is complete, asserting that "the blue machine works." Instead, Zille is concentrating on her campaign to become the mayor of Johannesburg. She expressed a desire to avoid the constraints of council rules to maintain the spontaneity of her campaigning, aiming to connect directly with residents to understand their issues before potentially joining the council. The 75-year-old intends to serve a full five-year term if elected mayor, viewing it as a legacy project. Zille also noted positive connections with people of diverse backgrounds during her campaign, emphasizing her belief in judging individuals by character and integrity. Addressing concerns about race within the DA, she maintained that the party is united across racial lines, attributing such criticisms to opponents playing the "race card."