Mashaba is a good businessman but a poor politician, just like Donald Trump

In the upcoming municipal elections, Johannesburg will be the centre of attention. Why? Political heavyweights Helen Zille, Herman Mashaba (who had not declared his candidacy but was seriously considering running for Johannesburg mayor), and Kenny Kunene will compete for the mayoral chain.

Mashaba has previously served as the mayor of Joburg, although not for a full term. He led the City of Johannesburg under the DA banner. Now he is considering contesting the mayorship as the Action SA leader. He will also be contesting against his former leader in the DA, Zille.

Interestingly, the Action SA leader had no interest in running for the Joburg mayorship until the DA chairperson declared her candidacy. Therefore, in my view, his reason for contesting the Mayorship is not solid. It is driven by his hatred for Zille.

Mashaba is a good businessman but a poor politician, just like Donald Trump. A self-made millionaire, he built his hair business (Black Like Me) during the dark days of apartheid and became filthy rich.

The system didn't allow Black entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed, but he made it.A few years ago, he was recruited into politics by Zille. A political novice, he became the mayor of Joburg, leading the local government of unity.

However, he lacked the organisational discipline and took decisions that went against his party, the DA. That spoiled his relationship with Zille.

Mashaba danced to the EFF music, though he denied it. When he came into office, he wanted to privatise Pikitup and was blocked by the EFF. The Red Berets also pushed him to insource the cleaners and security guards. He relented to its demand.

That irked the DA and led to his resignation. When he was Joburg mayor, the Action SA leader had no best interest of workers at heart. He also didn't hide his dislike for the labour unions. He divided the largest union in the city, SAMWU, and withheld its monthly subscription. That's illegal, but he did it. He's also a flip-flopper of note, just like Julius Sello Malema.

He said he will never sleep with the ANC. However, in Tshwane, ActionSA and ANC are working together. The mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, is a member of ActionSA. Is it a case of a wise man changing his mind? Not at all.

Mashaba is politically bankrupt and can't even make a political statement. In my view, he has nothing to offer politically. I'm not looking forward to his return to the city of Johannesburg, either as a mayor or councillor.

Thabile Mange, Kagiso