"Our people in Tembisa wonder where the development is. Around here our grandmothers are digging their own toilets," he told journalists after addressing a protest march demanding jobs.
"There is no progress here. South Africans cannot find work. The report of the public protector confirms our view that President Jacob Zuma took money and benefited personally."
He was referring to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's report on the security upgrades to Zuma's Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal homestead.
'Better life'
Maimane led hundreds of DA supporters who marched along several streets in Tembisa.
"People's lives in the East Rand are not good. The main problem is that President Jacob Zuma's cattle have a better life than your life here," said Maimane to loud cheers and ululation.
"His chickens lead a better life than people in this community. In his last term in office, President Zuma lost more jobs than he created.
The marchers' procession, led by several police vehicles, converged at an open space waving blue placards saying: "Together for change" and "Together for jobs".
Hopeful
Regarding the May 7 election, Maimane said he remained hopeful that he would snatch the premier post from the ANC.
"After the 7th of May there will be a new government. Our polls [survey] say the ANC is below 50% and that tells us that we are growing," he said.
"I am feeling very positive. The ANC should bring out their candidate and let him do his own thing."
Some of the supporters sang and shouted: "Down with Nkandla, down".
Application dismissed
On Friday, the North Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg dismissed an application by the ANC to stop the DA from sending sms messages accusing Zuma of stealing public money.
Acting Judge Mike Hellens dismissed the ANC application with costs.
"The totality of the [public protector's] findings speak of an untrammelled and uncontrolled, or substantially uncontrolled, access to public funds to benefit, without adequate lawful authority, the state president," Hellens said in his judgment. – Sapa