Joburg DA set to elect new leadership

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg is set to elect new leadership on Saturday, ahead of the local government elections.

Delegates will gather at the Prison Break Market in Johannesburg to choose the party’s new regional leaders.

While the incoming leadership will guide the DA’s election campaign, none of those elected on Saturday will stand as mayoral candidates for the party.

The DA has already named its outgoing federal council chairperson, Helen Zille, as its candidate for Johannesburg mayor.

Several positions are up for grabs at the regional elective congress, but the fiercest contests are for regional chairperson and deputy.

Incumbent chairperson Wendy Alexander faces a challenge from former DA youth leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Luyolo Mphithi.

Mphithi, who launched his campaign earlier in March, said he'll focus on growing support in townships and securing enough votes to see Zille elected Johannesburg mayor.

He's also warned that the city cannot withstand another term under African National Congress (ANC) mayorship.

The DA has been critical of Johannesburg’s current leadership, saying it has solutions to the metro’s mounting problems, including the water crisis and failing infrastructure.

Article by Nkosikhona Malinga-Mnisi.