Book review 22: The Accidental Mayor, Herman Mashaba and the Battle for Johannesburg Michael Beaumont

At the beginning of the year, I set a very realistic reading goal for myself: to read between 25 to 30 books. I can safely say I read 25 books in 2025. It was not an easy stretch ,but I did. What made it possible was discipline, intention and commitment. 

Meeting this goal did not exempt me from my daily responsibilities. Instead, it taught me how to prioritise better. One of the most significant changes I made was reducing my screen time. 

Screen time is addictive and often deprives us of productivity. It is not that we cannot make time to read–it is that when it is time to read,  we struggle to put our phones down. I say this with love and kindness because I am still learning too. 

As we approach the end of the year, Book 22 becomes my final  book review for 2025. 

As a Johannesburg resident, I am compelled to review The Accidental Mayor– particularly as South Africa prepares for the Local Government Elections in 2026. These elections matter deeply at the municipal level, where governance most directly impacts our daily lives.

Johannesburg, located in the Gauteng Province of South Africa is the largest metropolitan in terms of population, size and economy. In 2024, the metro area population stood at approximately 6.3 million. Often described as the heartbeat of the South African economy, Johannesburg boasts unique world-class infrastructure, diverse transportation systems and is globally competitive.

Yet in recent years, the city has faced significant challenges: a stagnant economy, deteriorating infrastructure and persistent service delivery failures– in water and electricity. 

The Accidental Mayor offers a lens through which to analyse the state of Johannesburg and reflect on what still can be salvaged. 

Cadre deployment and Corruption 

Year after year, Johannesburg continues to deteriorate due to widespread corruption. The South African government  itself acknowledges that corruption is one of the greatest impediments to the country’s growth and development. Persistent corruption weakens governance, state institutions and adds on to the frustration of South African citizens. 

At the local government level corruption disproportionately affects the most vulnerable communities and increases inequalities.  The misuse of  state resources by political elites– exposed through commissions of inquiry such as the Madlanga Commission–reveals the depth of dysfunction within public institutions.

Cadre deployment remains one of the most damaging practices undermining our democracy. It weakens institutional democracy, fuels poor service delivery and prioritises political loyalty over competence. 

Once known as the “City of Gold”, Johannesburg is slowly rusting into decay. A city that once symbolised opportunity now requires urgent rescue.  Ongoing  political instability under the ANC-led government has left ordinary citizens carrying the cost. 

Municipal Elections: Taking Back the City

As the Electoral Commission prepares for our Local Government election, Johannesburg residents must recognise the power they hold.  Municipal elections determine who governs our  district, metropolitan and local municipalities–and therefore who controls public resources.

Voting is not symbolic. It is a tool for accountability.

We have the power to remove leaders who loot state resources and demand governance that serves people.  Municipal elections must not be undermined or treated with apathy. They are an opportunity to reclaim our city.

This final review of 2025 is a call to Johannesburg residents: Participate. Vote. Hold power accountable. Take back the city. 

 Book 22 of 2025.

A very insightful read.

Phiwe Mncwabe is a pan-African storyteller, blogger and founder of Botlhale Hub Afrika.

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