Why the DA could lose more than just Mashaba in Johannesburg
Herman Mashaba's resignation as Johannesburg mayor on Monday could lead the DA to lose its hold on the city's top job in the next few weeks as a successor is sought.
With just 38% of the vote, the DA has managed to lead a seven-party coalition in the past 18 months since the local elections in 2016. An important factor in securing control of the council was the partnership the party struck with the EFF.
While the EFF's relationship has soured since 2016, the red berets have lauded Mashaba at almost every turn. The EFF and its leaders have often praised Mashaba for being instrumental in preserving its informal partnership.
However, political analyst Ongama Mtimka believes Mashaba's dramatic exit announcement on Monday could open the door for EFF to, once again, negotiate to have the DA back its desire to lead the City of Tshwane.
Mtimka's views are motivated by EFF leader Julius Malema, who made it clear shortly after the national and provincial elections in May that the party wanted to lead the capital city.