DA says incoming leadership to bolster Zille’s mayoral bid

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said Johannesburg’s incoming regional leadership will be mandated to bolster and drive Helen Zille’s mayoral campaign across the metro ahead of the local government elections.

The party is holding its regional elective conference at the Prison Break Market, where the counting of nearly 400 ballots is now underway.

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The contest for the top position is expected to be tightly contested, with incumbent chairperson Wendy Alexander facing off against former DA youth leader and MP Luyolo Mphithi.

The DA said its Johannesburg campaign is cohesive and well-organised, aligning regional leadership structures with the mayoral campaign team.

DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said the party's objective is to secure full governance of Johannesburg and deliver reliable services to residents.

“Johannesburg being at the centre, if we able to then get it right, we might be able to then influence how the rest of Gauteng municipalities and the big metros operate. So, we have an understanding that if we get it right here, we'll be able to the get it right everywhere else.

“And this is why for us to be able then to elect a leadership, that will be able to then work hand in hand with the mayoral campaign that we have under Helen Zille. We will be able to then have a formidable political tool that we can then use going forward.”

Article by Nkosikhona Malinga-Mnisi.