Illustrative image, from left: Kenny Kunene, Herman Mashaba, Helen Zille, Loyiso Masuku and Dada Morero. (Photos: Gallo Images; X/@Loyiso_Masuku) 
1. It’s not only Helen who wants to be mayor
I’ve been keeping track of the five who say they want to be mayor of Johannesburg after the local government election – now just more than a year away. Helen Zille is the DA’s candidate. Others include incumbent Dada Morero, and the ANC’s deputy regional secretary Loyiso Masuku. ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba’s arms are being twisted to run by his party leaders. The Patriotic Alliance’s Kenny Kunene told me he’ll launch his campaign in January 2026.
Exclusive data from Ipsos shows that Johannesburg’s vote is wide open, with more than 40% of people recently surveyed saying they didn’t know who they would vote for. In this poll, the ANC is still in the lead (if an election were held tomorrow). But an internal DA poll put its own party ahead – before Zille announced her candidacy in September 2025.
2. Joburg needs a leader like Zohran Mamdani – here’s why
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AFP__20251104__82YY9CU__v1__HighRes__UsPoliticsVoteNewYorkMamdani.jpg "Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks to the press after voting at a polling location at Frank Sinatra School of Arts in the Queens borough of New York City on November 4, 2025. (Photo by Leonardo Munoz / AFP)")
He’s 34-years old and won on a ticket of making New York City affordable for its people. He has promised to freeze rents, provide childcare and fast, free buses. Halala! That message resonated with New Yorkers who turned out in droves to drive his win – a narrow one, but convincing enough to be a shapeshifter.
Joburg could do with a young, rooted mayoral candidate with a clear social justice agenda. Victoria O’Regan reports from New York.
3. Why Redi left Joburg
Redi Tlhabi and her husband Brian are two delightful former Johannesburg residents. They live in Washington now because they are globally fabulous and mobile. This Readiness Report on what pushed them to sell their Joburg home is really poignant. I hope you will watch it and message your thoughts.
4. The Dunusa thrift haven is no more
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_20251008_105255.jpg "Johannesburg Metro Police Department vehicles stationed near De Villiers Street in Joburg's CBD, from where informal traders were evicted on 2 October. (Photo: Bheki Simelane)")
People from all walks of life once streamed onto De Villiers Street in the CBD to buy affordable, fashionable clothing. In an effort to clean up the streets and crack down on informal traders, the city recently cleared the thrift haven, known as “Dunusa”, isiZulu for “bend over”. Bheki C Simelane walks Joburg streets and reports on the city’s war with traders.
Trader update
On Monday, 3 November, the Johannesburg High Court ordered the City to complete permits for informal traders, and allocate space in line with policy.
For traders to be eligible for permits, they need to bring the following original documents (and copies):
- A South African with a green or smart card, subject to Department of Home Affairs verification.
- A South African and non-South African with an ID document, valid Passport, Asylum Seeker permit and/or refugee permit, from 18 years of age and older.
- Non-South African citizens must hold a valid passport with a visa issued in terms of section 10 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No.13 of 2002), authorising him or her to operate a business; alternatively, hold an asylum seeker permit issued in terms of section 22 of the Refugees Act, 1998 (Act No. 130 of 1998).
- Additional original (and copies of) documents required includes:
- Proof of residence (Municipal bill or Landlord Affidavit)
- Lease Agreement issued by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC).
- Proof of payment of rent to JPC.
- Certificate of Acceptability from Environmental Health.
- Fire Certificate issued by EMS.
(These requirements will make it impossible for most informal traders, especially those from the rest of Africa, to do business. It’s the work of heartless bureaucrats. Fer.)
5. Joburg ‘Person of the day’ – Sanza Sandile
Sanza Sandile’s Yeoville Dinner Clubs are eponymous and a Pan-African treat known around the world. Our US food correspondent Naomi Campbell (the younger one) traces his recent US tour where she joined his dinner in Boston
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Chef-Sanza-Sandile-preparing-to-season-on-the-grill-in-Chattanooga-Tennessee.-Courtesy-of-Alexei-Mejouev.jpg "Chef Sanza Sandile preparing to season on the grill in Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Courtesy of Alexei Mejouev)")
Picture of the day
“A beautiful new dome at the Rand Club by artist Five Locker.” - Brian Kent
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/WhatsAppImage2025-11-04at14.53.45.jpeg "Open for viewing on Saturday, 8 November. Central Johannesburg.")
Heard recently
- “Ten seconds later I’d paid (R300 for the new licence card and the temporary licence) and was dancing down the steps to my car. I could not believe it!” — Stephen Grootes, on his unexpected smooth ride to licence renewal in Waterfall.
- “Roodt’s arrest is a clear demonstration that law enforcement agencies are more than ready to ensure the security of all delegates at the [G20] summit.” – Government spokesperson William Baloyi, on security expert Jimmy Roodt’s Monday arrest at Nasrec, for trespassing.
My go-to spot for
... "Tuesday night sushi. If you go to Yamada often enough, they’ll knit your avo sushi-loving child an avocado." - John S
Tip us off! What’s your favourite spot? Tell us why – or suggest something else here.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Yamada.jpeg "Yamada Sushi. Blubird Shopping Centre, Birnam.")
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