Helen Zille on 947 with Anele Mdoda: “In the ANC, You Can’t Survive if You’re Not Corrupt”

Helen Zille Fires Back: “In the ANC, You Can’t Survive if You’re Not Corrupt”

Johannesburg, South Africa – In a no-holds-barred interview with 947 host Anele Mdoda, Democratic Alliance (DA) mayoral candidate Helen Zille delivered explosive remarks on corruption, race, and governance, making her case for the Johannesburg mayoralty.

Zille, who has previously served as Cape Town mayor and earned the World Mayor of the Year award in 2008, did not hold back when comparing the DA and ANC, stating bluntly:

“In the ANC, you can’t survive if you’re not corrupt. In the DA, you can’t survive if you are corrupt.”

The interview touched on sensitive topics, including accusations of racism, mismanagement, and service delivery failures. Zille stressed that the DA is South Africa’s most non-racial party, judging members on their merit rather than the color of their skin.

Mdoda raised concerns about Zille’s mayoral prospects in Johannesburg, questioning whether black residents could trust her to prioritize their interests. Zille countered, challenging the notion that anyone could speak for all black South Africans:

“Annele, when were you elected as the spokesperson of all black people? You weren’t. How can you speak for black people? I can’t speak for white people. I judge people as individuals.”

Zille also addressed her controversial remarks on “refugees” in Cape Town, clarifying that her comments referred to people relocating for better opportunities, not to offend. She emphasized that service delivery and competent governance should remain the primary focus, rather than manufactured outrage over wording.

The discussion moved to the realities of running Johannesburg, contrasting it with Cape Town. Zille highlighted disparities caused by historical and systemic challenges:

• Johannesburg loses almost 50% of its water due to aged infrastructure.
• Cape Town, under long-term DA governance, achieves one of the lowest water wastage rates globally.
• In Johannesburg, maintenance and investment in capital infrastructure have been severely neglected, with funds often misappropriated.

READ: Helen Zille Confirmed as DA’s Mayoral Candidate for Johannesburg in 2026 |

“Johannesburg spends less on maintenance than any other city in the country. That is a disgrace. And that’s why the poor are suffering,” Zille said.

The DA candidate also stressed the importance of parental responsibility alongside government support, stating that education, safe clinics, and basic services are the foundation for lifting communities out of poverty.

When confronted about corruption allegations within the DA, Zille remained steadfast:

“Allegations are not proof. You don’t survive in the DA if you are corrupt. You are chopped off immediately. That is the difference between us and the ANC.”

Throughout the interview, Zille combined historical context, policy analysis, and personal conviction, presenting herself as a candidate who prioritizes service delivery over political gamesmanship. She concluded by asserting that Johannesburg could be transformed through proper maintenance, governance, and accountability, setting a clear vision for her mayoral tenure.

READ: DA: Voting for Small Parties Will Keep ANC in Power in Johannesburg |

Key Takeaways:

• Helen Zille emphasizes merit, integrity, and service delivery over race and political connections.
• She criticizes ANC governance for systemic corruption and neglect of infrastructure.
• Zille pledges actionable solutions for Johannesburg’s water, electricity, and municipal maintenance crises.
• Her comments on “refugees” clarify that her focus is on opportunity, not offense.