Former DA Joburg mayor, Dr Mpho Phalatse, has denied that she was leaving the Democratic Alliance (DA) to join ActionSA, asserting that claims were created to cause chaos in the political space.

Phalatse told IOL on Friday that rumours about her departure to ActionSA have been circulating and gaining traction, but she labelled them as false and unfounded.

The former mayor stated that she took a break from politics to focus on other stuff, but she plans to return in due time.

“I am still a member of the DA. If I join another party I will make it known. There’s no reason for me to hide it because I will have to participate either way,” she said.

Phalatse also reiterated that she will not be the mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) in the upcoming 2026 local government elections.

“I am far from politics but I will make a comeback,” she said.

She previously told IOL that she had no intention of returning to the mayoral seat.

“I am not considering making the move,” she stated, drawing a definitive line under ongoing speculation about a potential political comeback in the metro.

Phalatse made history in November 2021 as the first woman mayor of Johannesburg.

Her tenure as mayor was cut short in early 2023 after a motion of no confidence – spearheaded by the ANC and EFF – led to her removal.

Despite the setback, Phalatse has remained a prominent figure within the DA.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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