Steenhuisen: Western Cape is DA's prototype of how SA will be run should we come into power

PRETORIA - Despite co-governing across several municipalities, including Tshwane where it held its 2024 manifesto launch, the Western Cape remains the Democratic Alliance’s (DA’s) prototype of how it will run the country if elected to power.

The country’s main opposition took to the lawns at the Union Buildings on Saturday to launch its vision for the country.

This as the nation gears up for the seventh democratic elections.

The party’s federal leader John Steenhuisen told supporters the Democratic Alliance was the only party with a proven ability to deliver on the seven pledges he listed as priorities to set South Africa on a more prosperous path.

He highlighted the work it's done in the Western Cape and Cape Town.

READ: 'DA best party because we've proven we know how to govern' - supporter at election manifesto launch

Steenhuisen said where the DA governs, eight out of ten people have jobs, there’s enhanced policing and its delivered a ground-breaking solution to load shedding.

“Mark my words: the DA’s work in Cape Town is going to lead to an energy revolution, and it will all be thanks to the implementation of DA policies.”

The DA’s mantra that where it governs, it governs well seemingly falls short outside of the Western cape, an issue the party might have to address to voters as it asks for support.

Driving through some parts of Tshwane – one is confronted by streets filled with litter - an image that’s become common across some parts of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.

The difference between the three Gauteng metros is that the capital is under a DA-run coalition, and as the country prepares for national elections, how parties run the different municipalities is likely to be a factor when voters take to the polls.