Status: 11/23/2021 5:56 p.m.
With Mpho Phalatse, a woman has been elected mayor of Johannesburg for the first time. Many see it as a political awakening and hope for a better life in South Africa’s metropolis.
The city of gold, as Johannesburg is known because of its history, has a mayor for the first time. Mpho Phalatse was elected to office on Monday evening. It was a surprise – for themselves, for their party, and also for their adversaries.
Phalatse’s reaction sounded grounded, however. It took a majority vote to get into that position, she said. “I didn’t think that would happen, but I can only praise God. He was really very reliable and he did it. I’m very excited,” said Phalatse.
“I think that this is a sign of a new era for the city of Johannesburg, but also a new era in politics,” said the mayor-elect. “We did not have any coalition agreements. That shows that our democracy has matured and that we are moving in a positive direction as a country and certainly also as a city.”
“No illusion about the stability of this government”
The results of the local elections are fundamental for this statement. Phalatse’s party, the Democratic Alliance DA, is the largest opposition party nationwide. At the beginning of November, however, the DA received only around 26.5 percent of the vote in Johannesburg. The African National Congress ANC was the strongest parliamentary group with 33.6 percent. Unexpectedly, Phalatse was also supported by the left-wing populist Economic Freedom Fighters EFF.
“We have no illusions about the stability of this government as it stands. I think it is clear to everyone that the EFF voted more against the ANC than for the DA,” said the chairman of the DA, John Steenhuisen. a. “They didn’t ask us to make any concessions, and they won’t get any.”
That means that these governments could only last for a short time. “Whether it lasts five years or five days, I can assure you that the DA will dedicate its term of office entirely to the service of the residents of this metropolis,” said Steenhuisen.
Trailblazer for many women
At the beginning of the month Phalatse celebrated her 44th birthday. The office of mayor is without a doubt her biggest project to date, but not her first. Between 2016 and 2019 she was a member of a mayor’s committee dealing with health and social development. This area has always been close to her heart because she is a doctor herself. She also treated victims of sexual assault. Violence against women is a massive problem in South Africa. Therefore, after her election, she also encourages women as a whole.
“I am very proud to be the first female mayor of Johannesburg. It is a great honor and I do not take her for granted,” said Phalatse. Johannesburg is the economic center of South Africa and in many ways also of the continent. To be entrusted with such a big task as a woman means for many women out there that they can do it and that they can be trusted too. “You are not the others, you are good enough. I hope that I will be a trailblazer for many more women who will come after me and throw their hats into the ring for all kinds of tasks,” said Phalatse.
For several years she worked in the field of basic services, at times even running her own business. Not least because she was often out and about in poor settlements, it is important to her that the electricity and water supply are expanded and the roads improved. She had emphasized this again and again during the election campaign.
Possible minority government
Phalatse’s task could be to lead a complex minority government – because there is still no coalition partner. Party friends confirm that she has what it takes.
In addition to her job as a politician, Phalatse is also a family man. According to her party, she is a single parent and has three children: five, eleven and 18 years old. In her free time she likes to hike in the great outdoors and draws strength from meditating in quiet surroundings.
In the metropolitan municipality of Ekuhurleni, a woman was also elected to the office of mayor: Tania Campbell is also a member of the DA. The problems are similar for both women. Both cities experience constant influx. But there is a lack of living space and work, the infrastructure has to be brought into shape, the crime rate is high, and there are always corruption scandals.
Johannesburgers hope for a better life
Johannesburg in particular is in critical condition. The electricity and water supply system is just as ailing as the road network. The crime statistics are sobering: every three months, the number of offenses in the city center increases by a double-digit percentage. As before, however, the city generates 15 percent of the gross domestic product of South Africa.
Many people want stability after a turbulent year in local politics. Former Mayor Geoff Makhubo (ANC) died in early July of complications related to a COVID19 infection. His successor Jolidee Matongo (ANC) was killed in a car accident just a month after he was elected. Then Mpho Moerane (ANC) took over the office, which has now been replaced by the DA candidate.
The cityscape is completely normal today, there are neither dances of joy nor protest marches. The people of Johannesburg want an intact, safe and peaceful city in social networks. Phalatse is a real opportunity, is to be read. Many people express the hope that everyday life will improve with her as mayor.