Outgoing Mayor of Johannesburg Herman Mashaba has dismissed speculation that he may join another political party after ditching the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Mashaba announced on Monday that he will quit the DA and resign as Mayor on 27 November.
Since then, there has been speculation that he could possibly join the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
This is because in his resignation speech, he criticised DA for “questioning” his close working relationship with EFF, notably on the policy of insourcing workers.
‘Get some rest’
However, Mashaba said in a tweet on Tuesday that his interest now is to serve Johannesburg residents until his formal resignation and “then get some rest.”
He wrote, “I’ve noted speculation about my political future. I’d like to clarify that while I respect political parties I’ve worked in Johannesburg, I won’t be joining any political party.
“My interest is to serve the residents of Joburg to the best of my abilities until 27 November and then get some rest.”
Mashaba is going on with his work and spent Monday in Parliament, where he made a presentation on the impact of illegal immigration on the City of Johannesburg.
Federal Executive to discuss resignation
DA’s Federal Executive is set to discuss Mashaba’s resignation at an urgent meeting on Wednesday.
There are fears that his departure could signal an end to DA’s mayoralty in Johannesburg after a number of coalition partners expressed unhappiness.
Congress of the People (Cope) spokesperson Dennis Bloem criticised DA for “resisting change” and “holding on to right-wing tendencies.”
Another coalition partner, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), said in a statement that it “would make a pronouncement in due course.”
News24 reports that the African National Congress (ANC) approached IFP soon after rumours of Mashaba’s resignation surfaced.
In its statement, EFF said it would “enter into internal consultations” before updating the public on its proposed way forward.