ActionSA president Herman Mashaba has confirmed that he held a meeting with Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, days after proposing a political compromise that could pave the way for a coalition government in Johannesburg.
Mashaba previously wrote to Hill-Lewis offering to withdraw from the Johannesburg mayoral race on condition that DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille also steps aside.
Under the proposal, both Mashaba and Zille would withdraw, allowing the DA to nominate another candidate for mayor, with ActionSA supporting that candidate. In return, ActionSA would take the position of deputy mayor in Johannesburg.
The proposal was presented as a possible way of resolving the deadlock between the two parties following the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Confirming Thursday’s meeting, Mashaba said the engagement formed part of ActionSA’s discussions with other political parties.
“As part of ActionSA’s engagements with other political parties, I just had a frank and productive meeting with DA Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis,” he said.
What the election results mean for a DA-ActionSA coalition
The final election results show that the DA emerged as the largest party in Johannesburg, securing 34.8% of the vote and 91 seats in the 270-seat council.
ActionSA finished third with 16.3% of the vote and 43 seats.
Combined, the two parties received approximately 51.1% of the vote and would hold 134 council seats if they formed a coalition.
However, 136 seats are required for an outright majority, meaning a DA-ActionSA coalition would still need the support of at least two additional councillors.
The ANC secured 63 seats, followed by the EFF with 17, the MK Party with 15 and the IFP with seven. Other parties hold the remaining seats.
The figures suggest that although a DA-ActionSA partnership would command a majority of the combined vote, it would fall just short of a majority in the council.
The Zille question
Mashaba’s proposal places Zille’s mayoral candidacy at the centre of the negotiations.
The DA emerged as the leading party in Johannesburg, with Zille having campaigned as its mayoral candidate. The party has previously indicated that coalition negotiations will be guided by its election performance and its commitment to stable municipal governance.
Mashaba, however, has maintained that ActionSA is willing to work with the DA, but has objected to an arrangement that would see Zille become mayor.
The meeting between Mashaba and Hill-Lewis could therefore be an important step in determining whether the two parties can find common ground.
Neither leader has publicly announced an agreement following their latest engagement, and the proposed arrangement remains subject to further negotiations.
