In this clip Gabriel Makin asks whether the DA should actually want to win Johannesburg.

Frans Cronje explains why the question is more complicated than it first appears. Johannesburg may be close to bankruptcy, coalition options are limited, and any party taking over the city would need excellent managers willing to step into a dangerous and collapsing system. Without full executive authority, the DA could inherit failure without having the power to fix it.

James Myburgh agrees that the party would need a proper plan and a strong governing majority. Without the ability to appoint capable officials and take real control of the administration, taking over Johannesburg could damage the DA more than help it.

Taking a longer term view Frans explains how even if the DA falls short and the EFF/ANC/MK take charge after November the effects of the ensuing collapse may be useful in setting the DA up to win the whole of Gauteng in 2029