Mashaba has tough act to follow

The election of businessman Herman Mashaba as the new mayor for the City of Joburg, Africa’s economic hub, has taken me by surprise. I had hoped the EFF would stick to its guns that the DA change Mashaba before it enters into a coalition with the party.

Alas, that is politics, and they do change quickly.

When Mashaba was announced the new mayor on Monday night, EFF councillors did not applaud.

Judging by their serious faces, they regretted the decision to go into a coalition with the DA, labelled a racist party by EFF leader Julius Malema.

It will be interesting to see how the EFF and DA, with different ideologies, work together.

But one thing is certain, the EFF has its finger on the trigger. Should the DA fail to deliver on its promises, there may be a vote of no confident in Mashaba, whose political credentials are questionable.

Mashaba became a household name during the heyday of permed hair, with his famous Black Like Me hair products. Although he lacks political experience, he is an energetic workaholic.

Let’s hope he will put his energy to good use and turn things around in the filthy and crime-ridden Joburg CBD.

Many people, including “clever blacks”, hardly go there these days. I, a proud ruralist, only go to the CBD when there are media briefings or for the sometimes much-needed drinking binge.

But there are two clubs – I will not name because doing so will be a free advertisement – that are frequented by politicians, doctors, lawyers and journos, among others. Most of us go there to forget about the outside world and yes, to be surrounded by gorgeous women.

That’s how we roll. And that’s where some us get good stories.

I just hope Mashaba will let us continue having an exuberant time at these places.

Back to the serious stuff. Mashaba must return Jozi to its former glory.

I can’t even fathom why former ANC mayor Parks Tau failed to turn things around in the CBD, although he has done a wonderful job as mayor.

Under his leadership, we have seen the city introduce the concept of a city that works for its people.

For this, I doff my white hat to him.