The Accidental Mayor

In August 2016, well-known South African businessman Herman Mashaba became mayor of Johannesburg, heading a DA-led coalition in the city. Three years later, in October 2019, he resigned from the party and his position as mayor. Three days later, DA leader Mmusi Maimane followed suit. At the time of his resignation, Mashaba’s approval rating stood above 70 percent and there were calls in overwhelming numbers for him to stay. In this explosive new tell-all, his chief of staff and closest aide Michael Beaumont reveals the real story behind these events.
The Accidental Mayor examines what drove Mashaba to join the DA in the first place, why he was a reluctant mayoral candidate and how he nevertheless embraced the role when he was elected. It looks at how his background, motivations, and beliefs informed his approach to leadership, policy-making, and his unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption in the city. It addresses his comments on illegal immigration, xenophobia, hijacked buildings and the rule of law, and lists the personal triumphs and tribulations he faced daily.
In exploring Mashaba’s time in office, this book also examines the ins and outs and the highs and lows of the fledgling minority coalition government that ousted the ANC in Johannesburg in 2016. For the first time, readers can get a glimpse behind the curtain of what went on.
What was discovered about the previous government’s looting of Johannesburg? How did the ANC take to being in opposition? How challenging was it to work with the EFF? Which party proved the most difficult coalition partner? What exactly happened in Alexandra? All these questions and more are answered and explored in detail.
At a time when the DA’s popularity is at an all-time low, The Accidental Mayor highlights the infighting and factionalism within the party and questions whether South Africa’s official opposition has reached the end of the road. Can Herman Mashaba, arguably one of South Africa’s most popular former mayors, offer an alternative for the future?