PHUTI MOSOMANE
THE DA Federal Congress commenced on Saturday in Midrand, Johannesburg, where approximately 2000 delegates have gathered for a two-day event to elect new leaders.
The Presiding Officers for the Congress are Greg Krumbock, Bridget Masango, and Mimmy Gondwe. Krumbock stated early on that the Congress has met the minimum threshold required to proceed with the event.
Krumbock said the congress was by far the largest gathering in the party’s history.
“DA is a truly inclusive party with 45% of congress delegates and activists being non-public representatives coming from branches,” he said.
Federal Congress spokespersons Siviwe Gwarube urged delegates to unite and develop a programme to unseat the ruling ANC in the 2024 national and provincial elections.
“The DA difference is to fight for the 30 million South Africans living in poverty,” she told delegates.
Current DA leader John Steenhuisen is fighting it out with former Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse for the position of Federal Leader.
A delegate early told Inside Politics that Steenhuisen was likely to win given that Phalatse has not ran a “real campaign.”
“She sounded unsure about wanting to become a leader. All we got were SMS text campaigns asking for support. But generally, delegates are likely going to elect an approachable and easily accessible leader,” she said.
“I think she is only contesting as an exit strategy- to claim later than, she tried and we didn’t want her,” said the delegate from Pretoria who asked not to be named.
Veteran former leader Helen Zille is standing for the position of Federal Council Chairperson uncontested.
On Saturday, delegates will consider among others discussions on the Constitutional amendments and consider the 43 congress resolutions.
The results of the elections are expected to be announced on Sunday.
INSIDE POLITICS
