Sizwe Dhlomo has sparked significant attention on social media after making an unexpected mention of a potential candidate for Johannesburg’s mayor in the local government elections set for November 2026.
When posed with a question on X, the prominent broadcaster simply replied with three words: “Maybe Uncle Herm?”
This reference to Herman Mashaba, the leader of ActionSA, rapidly incited a flurry of responses across South Africa. Users quickly turned Dhlomo’s comment into a focal point for discussions about his political leanings.
The reaction from Julius Malema, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, added further intrigue to the situation.
Malema seemed surprised by Dhlomo’s suggestion, responding:
“He banna👀”
This succinct remark prompted additional commentary, with social media users interpreting Malema’s words as astonishment at Dhlomo’s apparent support for Mashaba.
Dhlomo’s response came amid questions regarding his choice for Johannesburg mayor ahead of the 2026 elections. Instead of naming a more conventional political figure, the broadcaster’s gaze seemed to fall on Mashaba, a former Johannesburg mayor and the current leader of ActionSA.
His comment, “Maybe Uncle Herm?”, left room for speculation, as observers debated whether it signified a true political inclination, a joke, or a light-hearted retort to the inquiry.
This ambiguity contributed to the surge of discourse online.
Within hours, users were sharing memes and engaging in discussions about the implications of Dhlomo’s statement.
While Dhlomo’s initial comment ignited the conversation, Malema’s response soon became a central topic of discussion.
Malema’s “He banna👀” indicated surprise but did not provide further clarification regarding his thoughts on Dhlomo’s remark.
Social media users quickly focused on the potential significance of Dhlomo supporting Mashaba, diverting attention from the mayoral question itself.
This interaction underscored the volatile nature of political discourse on social media, where a brief comment can rapidly transform into a national discussion.
As political entities gear up for the November 2026 elections, Dhlomo’s remarks have heightened interest in Johannesburg, which is anticipated to remain a key political arena.
The city has seen fierce political rivalry in recent times, making conversations regarding its future leadership especially delicate.
It remains uncertain whether Dhlomo’s comment was a sincere endorsement or a playful quip.
Nevertheless, his “Maybe Uncle Herm?” statement has accomplished a rare feat: it caught Julius Malema off guard and sent waves through social media.
The lingering question is whether Dhlomo was joking or if he has subtly pointed voters in the direction of his political leanings ahead of the upcoming elections in November.
