DA leader hits out at 'lies' and infighting, urges unity ahead of elections

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has strongly criticised those he claims are trying to sow division within the party, stating that the media is being fed a “pack of lies” about him and the DA.

Steenhuisen has been under scrutiny since he fired the party’s treasurer, Dion George, from his position as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment last month. Following George’s removal, Steenhuisen’s personal finances have been thrown into the spotlight, along with claims that he abused party funds. George, meanwhile, is reportedly facing allegations of unbecoming conduct during his time as Minister.

Addressing the Northern Cape Provincial Congress over the weekend, Steenhuisen emphasised that for the party to wrest control over the country’s poorest province, the infighting must cease.

“We cannot be playing games internally when the people out there are pinning their hopes on us to bring the change,” he stated.

Steenhuisen insists the slander must stop if the party is to improve its electoral prospects.

“Lies have short legs. And I’m telling you when the truth comes out, those same people who have been spreading these lies and misinformation are going to have a day of reckoning,” he warned.

FOCUS ON UNITY AND VOTE
During his address, Steenhuisen told party supporters in Upington that they should not waste their time backing small parties in the upcoming local government elections. He argued that doing so makes it easier for the ANC to stay in control and harder for the DA to win.

He reaffirmed the DA’s ambition: the party intends to become the largest party in the country in the next local government elections.

At the congress, Izak Fritz was elected uncontested as the party’s new provincial leader, taking over from Harold McGluwa.