Johannesburg’s first family? Meet Helen Zille’s husband and kids
· The South African
Helen Zille is leading the Johannesburg mayoral race, as the Democratic Alliance (DA) has emerged as a frontrunner after this week’s local government elections.
Visit michezonews.co.za for more information.
The 75-year-old has previously helmed control of Cape Town, winning the 2008 World Mayor Award, which honoured her leadership and efforts to improve service delivery in the city.
IS HELEN ZILLE JOHANNESBURG’S NEXT MAYOR?
As it stands with the voter count, the DA is in a strong position to take control of Johannesburg. However, Helen Zille is not guaranteed the mayoralty.
After the IEC finalises the election results, the newly elected councillors will then vote for the mayor. For Helen to get the keys to the city, the DA will likely need to rally support from other parties, such as Action SA, to secure a majority in the council.
She will then need the majority of councillors’ votes to become Johannesburg’s next mayor.
MEET HER HUSBAND AND KIDS…
Helen Zille has spoken of receiving the support from her family, including husband, and two sons, in her bid to become Johannesburg mayor.
Helen is married to retired professor Johann Maree, who has a PhD in sociology from the University of Cape Town. The couple married in 1982.
ThrowbackThursday — my husband and I on honeymoon in 1982 pic.twitter.com/vLJ4JOJSRy
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) October 9, 2025
They have two sons together: Paul and Thomas.
Paul, who married Gretl Visser in 2014, is a mathematics teacher and founder of Paper Video, an organisation that distributes educational resources to students around the country.
He’s also a member of Beams, a music band that has played at several of Cape Town’s hot spots. Paul gave his mother the nickname “GodZille” over her strict parenting style.
Thomas is a digital marketing manager and has worked for Showmax and CNBC Africa. He bears a striking resemblance to his mother.
Helen Zille is also a grandmother to Mila and Francois, the daughter and son of Paul and Gretl.
She is also a foster grandmother to children she took in from her domestic worker.
Happy Mother's Day, mom! We are so proud of you. Hope I can be as good a parent as you one day. Love you @helenzille pic.twitter.com/xyra21N8sS
— Paul Maree (@PaulFZMaree) May 10, 2015