Helen Zille responds to criticism about being ‘too old’ to serve as Joburg mayor
Ex-DA leader Helen Zille calls her run for Johannesburg mayor her ‘final chance’…
Former Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille has fired back at critics who claim she’s “too old” to run for Johannesburg mayor.
At 74, Zille has voiced her commitment to “saving” South Africa’s financial hub, saying a series of failed leaders have worsened the city’s condition.
In 2008, the woman nicknamed “Godzille” earned the World Mayor of the Year award for governing the City of Cape Town.
Helen Zille fires back at critics
On her X account, Helen Zille responded to concerns and criticism from the public over her mayoral endeavour.
One was if her bid to govern Johannesburg was confirmed. Another was that she was “too old” and belonged in a “retirement village”.
She responded: “There are many young competitors for mayor of Joburg who will be interviewed. The selection panel will fairly consider us all. DA has many young mayors and some not-so-young.”
When one X user claimed her “white privilege” influenced her decision, Helen Zille clapped back: “I’m from Joburg, sweetie. I was born in Hillbrow, grew up in Joburg, and lived in Hillbrow again as a young professional.”
Last week, Zille told eNCA: “Joburg is my hometown. I was born in Hillbrow, which looks very different than what it does today. Joburg was a functional city that I love and believe is the powerhouse of South Africa. Its health and its functionality is make or break for South Africa.”
She added: “If Joburg doesn’t succeed, South Africa does not succeed.”
‘LAST ROLL OF THE DICE’
Speaking to the media, Helen Zille revealed she was capable of taking on the monstrous task of being Joburg mayor.
The no-nonsense woman claimed that other DA candidates had been deterred by the prospect of low pay, long hours, and intense public scrutiny.
She told the Citizen: “Whatever happens, this is the last roll of the dice for me and the very last roll of the dice for Johannesburg. So Johannesburg must just make damn sure that they make up their minds what they want.”
Zille added that she was still consulting her family about possibly making the move to Johannesburg.