Next Africa

Swimming in a Pothole Shakes an African Election Campaign

Helen Zille has taken her campaign for Johannesburg mayor to social media.
A pothole in Johannesburg, South Africa, in April 2023.Photographer: Leon Sadiki/Bloomberg

Welcome to Next Africa, a daily newsletter on where the continent stands now — and where it’s headed. Sign up here to have it delivered to your email. In today’s edition, we look at Johannesburg’s decaying infrastructure and a new style of electioneering, as well as:

Helen Zille donned a wetsuit and snorkel and stepped into a giant water-filled pothole on a suburban Johannesburg street.