Former Member of the National Assembly of South Africa Helen Zille shared a video of her “afternoon swim” in a pothole in Johannesburg, via a video on Instagram on Monday 30 March.
HELEN ZILLE SWIMS IN POTHOLE IN JOHANNESBURG
Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille shared a video of her “Saturday afternoon” swim in a pothole in Johannesburg as she highlighted the issue of a burst pipe being fixed, and burst again. She also talked about the impact on it’s residents.
“Here we are, with a free and wonderful Saturday afternoon swim. I can even do the backstroke over here… backwards doggy paddle,” she said.
She then went on to put her head underwater in search for any fish. Zille explained that potholes this big is what the people of Johannesburg have to live with.
“This pool has been here on and off for three years. It’s the result of a burst pipe, it kept bursting again and again. Neighbours can’t get out of their driveways. People ask for the council to come and fix it, they came and fixed it with a front end loader and burst the pipe again. This is what people have to live with in the city of Johnnesburg,” she said.
Take a look…
“This is one of Joburg’s many public facilities for swimming. No opening hours and no maintenance plan, yet somehow it keeps expanding… 🏊♀️🚧,” she wrote.
Zille is the DA mayoral candidate for Johannesburg for the 2026 municipal elections. She aims to restore the city to its former glory by tackling service delivery failures and unstable coalitions. Zille was officially named the mayoral candidate on 20 September 2025.
She has launched five pledges to the people of Johannesburg:
- Reliable water and electricity for all residents
- Roads that work
- Attract 200,000 new jobs to Joburg
- Law and order! Kill corruption and make public spaces safer
- A professional, modern government. A City we can be proud of
FANS: ‘A LEADER WILLING TO GET HER HANDS DIRTY’
“Guys! Nah – Gogo Helen is a Class Act 👌 this is how u get deep into things!👏👏,” wrote @kgotsohopelekau.
“Campaign manager needs a raise 🤣,” wrote media personality Minnie Dlamini.
“😂😂😂 – I know I shouldn’t be laughing, but this is wild!,” wrote @marchellemaroun.
“This shouldn’t be funny. But damn if we don’t laugh we’ll cry. 😂😂,” wrote @ryanruss03.
“You are a legend! Pulling your sleeves up and doing the hard work – so inspired by your courage 👏,” wrote @lovetogrow1.
“A leader willing to get her hands dirty👏. Helen is a true legend and a world class leader. Johannesburg needs you 🫡,” wrote @kyle.d.jacobs.