Internal DA conflict won't impact prep for local govt elections, says Zille

Democratic Alliance (DA) federal executive chairperson Helen Zille said she does not believe the recent public spat between leader John Steenhuisen and former member Dion George will impact the party’s preparations for the local government elections.

She said the party is already well-prepared and the "blue machine" is buzzing.

At its earliest, municipal polls could be held in November, but a date is yet to be proclaimed. 

Zille, who is vying to become Johannesburg’s next mayor, said internal conflict is an inevitable part of political life.

With former minister and DA stalwart George having quit the party, Zille said Steenhuisen will have to face a disciplinary process alone over whether his public fall with George has brought the party into disrepute.

Speaking on the Clement Manyathela Show on 702 on Tuesday, Zille said unlike in other organisations, in political parties, conflict always garners a lot of public attention.

“It’s always destabilising. It always distracts us from our main goal, but I think we can bring this to a close and move on from there,” she said.

Zille said the latest party ructions are not affecting the DA’s preparations for the next polls, and the party is in the process of selecting candidates to stand for various positions.

“The machine goes on. We call it the blue machine. It is oiled, it is geared and it is functional. It can weather many, many storms as it has in the past, so the machine never gets involved in this.”

Zille said she believes the party can still flourish despite the occasional upheaval.