South Africa's Johannesburg mayor vows to cut unemployment rate

South Africa’s Johannesburg mayor, Herman Mashaba has vowed to transform the city and run an investor friendly administration.

Mashaba was elected mayor during last month’s local elections that changed the country’s political landscape.

The 56 year old is the first mayor from the country’s main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance since the end of apartheid in 1994.

The change of control in Johannesburg dealt a humiliating blow to the ANC

Mashaba entered politics in 2014 and began a rapid rise to power that has attracted criticism over his lack of experience in both politics and local government administration.

He has however pledged to root out corruption and has set a target of 5 per cent annual economic growth.

“If unemployment is still over 20 percent, please, don’t give me a second chance. I would have failed you. Get someone else,” said Mashaba.

The new mayor also said he plans use the five years of his term to implement the DA’s manifesto and ensure that the city is run like a professional civil service.

The DA won 27 per cent of the vote in the local elections and is keen on further broadening its appeal ahead of presidential elections in 2019.

AFP