Zille’s ‘gusheshe’ campaign has paid for the DA, says expert
DA is on rise in metros with initial counts showing it was leading four of eight metropolitan councils.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is emerging as a strong contender in South Africa's metropolitan municipalities, according to early election results. The party is leading four of the eight metropolitan councils, a feat experts attribute to the DA's strong service delivery record in Cape Town and other cities. During the recent elections, the DA made a surprising move in the Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng, an ANC stronghold, where it won ten council seats against the party's expectations.
Political commentator Rebone Tau attributed the DA's success to its early campaign start and the party's performance under former leader Helen Zille, particularly in Cape Town. Analyst Goodenough Mashego credited the DA's rise to "good messaging" linked to Zille's image, including her gusheshe (BMW) and beer at a rally in Soweto.
While the DA's performance has been impressive, particularly in Joburg and Nelson Mandela Bay metros, political observers cautioned against overestimating the party's prospects. The ANC remains the front-runner in the national election race, with the DA trailing at 24% and the MK Party in third place at 9%. However, the ANC's lead may be vulnerable, as party blunders, such as street chaos and water shortages in Joburg, have provided opportunities for the DA to capitalize on.
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