Herman Mashaba

Six key points from Herman Mashaba’s first statement as Jozi mayor

Herman Mashaba was elected mayor of Johannesburg on Monday night. Here are some of the things he’s promising.

Herman Mashaba

Herman Mashaba was confirmed as Johannesburg mayor on Monday night after the election went down to the wire. Mashaba’s win won’t please everyone, though. There have been some reported conflicts with him within the DA during his campaign, but what is done is done and he now has a chance to prove himself.

There’s also the small matter of Mashaba’s support for Donald Trump, with Business Day live quoting him as saying: “I really see him as the presidential hopeful for the Republican party.” Mashaba has a lot to prove and, as you might expect, in his maiden statement as mayor, he touched on the things that he will focus on. Here are some key quotes.

  1. He noted the diversity of the governing council of Joburg.

“It is important to note that no single party holds a majority in the Johannesburg City Council. I especially thank the EFF for placing their trust in me to lead this city.”

2. He reiterated that it’s about working together.

“Now is not the time for political squabbles. We face great challenges that no party can confront on its own. It is time for all of us to roll up our sleeves and get working.”

3. He asked for patience.

“The truth is that there are no short cuts. It is going to take time to correct the mismanagement and decay that has resulted in worsening service delivery. We need to start from basics and step by step build a city we can all be proud of.”

4. Jobs, jobs, jobs.

“The biggest challenge facing our city is the soaring unemployment confronting over 800 000 people. Job creation will be the number one priority of the new administration.”

5. He has a lot of love for small businesses.

“Small businesses will be my best friends. Small businesses create jobs and that is why small business development will be the focus of my term in office.”

6. He vowed to fight corruption and improve service delivery in underprivileged areas.

“Residents have been plagued by a civil service that has offered lackluster and frankly‚ disgraceful service. None of us can rest while hundreds of thousands of families in Johannesburg suffer in abject poverty and without even the most basic of services. As of last night‚ corruption has been declared public enemy number one in the City of Johannesburg.”