THE INTERVIEW: Fresh face, bold policies — EFF’s Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng outlines her vision for Joburg

Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, the Economic Freedom Fighters' (EFF) mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, has outlined ambitious plans for the city during the upcoming local government elections. A clinician, author, and former United Nations special rapporteur on the right to health, Mofokeng aims to secure a 51% majority to avoid forming a political coalition. Her candidacy marks a shift in the mayoral race, traditionally dominated by established figures such as Democratic Alliance's Helen Zille and ActionSA's Herman Mashaba. Mofokeng has spent over two decades advocating for universal health access, HIV care, reproductive healthcare, and youth-friendly health services. She previously served as the commissioner for Gender Equity and held positions on several local and international health organizations, including the Soul City Institute for Social Justice, the Safe Abortion Action Fund, and the Global Advisory Board for Sexual Health and Wellbeing. In 2020, she was appointed by the United Nations as the special rapporteur on the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, where she championed a human-rights-based approach to healthcare. Announced as the EFF's mayoral candidate by party leader Julius Malema at the party's 13th birthday celebration in Thohoyandou, Mofokeng has engaged with various stakeholders throughout her campaign, including residents, members of the taxi industry, informal traders, and small business owners. These interactions have influenced her core human-rights-based approach, which emphasizes moving away from politically unstable coalitions, eradicating corruption, consolidating municipal services into a one-stop shop for resolving billing issues, and maintaining regular dialogue with residents and key stakeholders. During an interview with Daily Maverick, Mofokeng addressed concerns about her lack of direct governance experience. She emphasized that her career has been rooted in politics, policy, and global governance in health, equipping her with the necessary skills for leadership within a political party. She highlighted her involvement in civil society as a young doctor working with the Department of Social Development on adolescent health frameworks, the Trace and Termination of Pregnancy Act, and policies aimed at expanding access to sexual and reproductive health rights for marginalized groups. Her tenure as a commissioner at the Commission for Gender Equality under the current president further solidified her expertise in health, social development, gender equality, LGBTQ+ issues, and disability rights. This experience led her to engage with the multilateral system and diplomacy, providing her with insights into international relations and collaboration. Mofokeng also discussed her understanding of financial management through her roles as a resource mobilizer for numerous NGOs and chairs of international organizations involved in sub-granting. She noted that these experiences have given her insight into governmental operations, partnerships, and what strategies succeed versus fail. When asked about key governance issues facing Johannesburg before the election, Mofokeng acknowledged the challenges she faces as a resident of the city for 18 years. She expressed commitment to addressing these issues through her proposed policies and initiatives, aiming to bring about meaningful change in the city's governance structure.