DA wants no coalition in NMB as it picks Retief Odendaal as mayoral candidate

The Democratic Alliance (DA) wants no more coalitions in Nelson Mandela Bay, as it kicked off its campaign in the politically unstable Eastern Cape metro.

DA leaders, including John Steenhuisen, addressed party supporters in Gqeberha in the metro on Monday, after announcing Retief Odendaal as the party's mayoral candidate for next year's local government elections.

The party has also urged people not to vote for new, smaller parties and independents, saying they have no track record of service delivery.

The DA announced its vision for Nelson Mandela Bay, promising to get the metro working again.

The metro has been governed through a coalition since 2021, changing mayors several times.

Eastern Cape leader Andrew Whitfield said coalitions must end, and an outright victory is the only option.

ALSO READ: DA's eThekwini mayoral candidate Hoosen says economic growth will feature high on his to-do list

"What we really need in Nelson Mandela Bay is a majority government. Just down the road, Kouga Municipality has been governed by the DA in a majority for almost ten years. It is now rated the best-run municipality in the Eastern Cape."

Odendaal said when he was mayor back in 2022 for only nine months, the DA-led metro was better run.

"We were able to get the first unqualified audit opinion in 12 years in the city."

Steenhuisen told supporters that voting for smaller parties will only lead to further instability in the troubled metro.