The DA leads Joburg polls in new findings, and importantly, these results put the party ahead of the ANC in South Africa’s economic hub. As Zille entered the race for Johannesburg mayor, momentum shifted. Consequently, the DA now frames the contest around service delivery and stability.
Zille Enters the Mayoral Race
Helen Zille, the DA’s federal chair, has formally thrown her hat into the ring to be the party’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate. Consequently, her entry sharpened the DA’s message on stability and service delivery. Moreover, this comes ahead of the 2026 local elections. Notably, internal polling places her at the front of the field.
What the Trends Suggest
The DA leads Joburg polls at a time when many urban voters express fatigue with outages, refuse backlogs, and uneven municipal finances. While poll momentum can shift, the current trend line nevertheless points to a tighter contest for control of council. This follows years of volatile coalitions. In short, the DA leads Joburg polls now. Therefore, the stakes rise for all parties as candidate lists firm up.
Why it Matters for Residents
If the DA converts polling into council seats, residents could see a renewed focus on basic services and fiscal controls. These are core planks in the party’s pitch. Meanwhile, the ANC will fight to recover ground before 2026. This sets up a hard-fought race for Johannesburg’s top job. Ultimately, the headline for voters is clear: the DA leads Joburg polls, Zille is in the race, and the battle for the city is on.
