- DA Johannesburg Mayoral candidate Helen Zille was filmed performing spinning manoeuvres in a BMW E30 at an outdoor event in Johannesburg
- The video, shared on X, shows smoke billowing from the car's tyres as a bystander runs alongside the vehicle during the stunt
- The clip went viral ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, drawing strong reactions from South Africans online
Source: Getty Images
JOHANNESBURG — Democratic Alliance Johannesburg Mayoral candidate Helen Zille has gone viral after footage emerged of her behind the wheel of a BMW E30, performing spinning and burnout manoeuvres at an outdoor event in Johannesburg.
The clip, posted on X by @zekewareley, shows Zille piloting a dark purple BMW E30 bearing "SGPRA" branding and sponsor decals, with thick tyre smoke filling the air around the vehicle. A bystander can be seen running alongside the car during the display. The footage was shot in a vertical mobile-video format near a paved lot adjacent to a township and open field.
The event took place as Zille continues her campaign ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, in which she is the DA's candidate for Johannesburg Mayor. The spinning display appeared to be part of an outreach effort connecting with township car culture, a widely followed motorsport tradition in South Africa.
View the video on X:
South Africans react to viral clip
The video drew hundreds of comments and shares within hours of being posted, with South Africans divided over the spectacle.
@art03837827 wrote:
"This auntie has better driving skills than me. I've seen this gogo scooba dive, do ziplining, drift, kayak... There is no way, guys 😭 She has more energy than 20-year-olds."
@GaryTidoStark said:
"Helen is enjoying her retirement"
@ancientchildch1 commented:
"This is a once-off show. After this, the real flames will begin."
@youmunbean raised a safety concern, writing:
"Looks pretty reckless. Who is the guy running at the door, putting his life in danger for views?"
@rebellie_ offered praise:
"This is the best we have!! Well done; this is genius-level driving. Guess for the next tick you will dress yourself."
Sizwe Dhlomo reacts to Zille's Migos trend video
In a related article, Briefly News reported on Sizwe Dhlomo’s reaction to a Democratic Alliance campaign video featuring Helen Zille performing a Migos song. The AI-generated clip drew sharply divided responses from South Africans.
The debate went beyond the unusual performance, with critics questioning the use of AI and accusing the DA of pandering to young voters. Supporters, meanwhile, defended the video as harmless campaign fun.
Source: Briefly News
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