DA manifesto launch Steenhuisen's opportunity to sell SA vision without 'ANC-EFF doomsday coalition'
Steenhuisen warned his supporters when he was re-elected as federal leader in 2023 that the two parties working together would result in a doomsday coalition at national level.
FILE: Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen addresses a media briefing on 5 July 2023. Picture: Democratic Alliance
JOHANNESBURG - For Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen, Saturday’s manifesto launch will not just be a popularity contest, but an opportunity to sell his vision of ensuring the African National Congress (ANC) never works with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Steenhuisen warned his supporters when he was re-elected as federal leader in 2023 that the two parties working together would result in a doomsday coalition at national level.
The ANC and EFF are currently working together across several municipalities, including in some of Gauteng's metros.
Leaders in the governing ANC are divided when it comes to both the DA and EFF, with some opting to work with the blues – who are seen as its traditional opponents.
Although analysts remain skeptical about what Steenhuisen has to offer, his task on Saturday might be clearer and more cut out if his victory speech in 2023 is anything to go by.
While Steenhuisen has been at the forefront of establishing a bloc called the Multi-Party Charter - which could take on the ANC, he’s also told his supporters he would do anything possible to stop the ANC from working with the EFF after the elections.
“EFF doomsday coalition will make the collapse of Zimbabwe look like a dress rehearsal, and will leave all South Africans; Black, Coloured, White, and Indian completely destitute and abandoned.”
However, analysts like Daniel Silke argue that to do this, Steenhuisen would have to articulate an inclusive message in understandable language.
Silke though, has suggested the DA’s inability to overcome being seen as a party that just supports the white community might prove to be a hindrance in Steenhuisen’s mission.
KEY PRIORITIES
Steenhuisen is expected to present at least seven key priorities that form part of the DA’s rescue plan for the country.
These include bringing an end to load and water shedding, crushing corruption, halving violent crime, lifting people out of poverty, and ensuring quality healthcare for all.
And like his predecessor Mmusi Maimane, who is now the leader of Build One South Africa, Steenhuisen will also promise to create two million jobs.
The main opposition says it will fix what’s broken in government by abolishing cadre deployment and firing corrupt officials while replacing them with competent people.