WRITER: PHUTI MOSOMANE
PHOTOS: EDDIE MTSWENI
DELEGATES who attended the Democratic Alliance’s elective congress told Inside Politics that the two-day event demonstrated that the party is prepared to govern the country in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.
Here is what some had to say|
According to party delegate from Midrand in Johannesburg, Rhulani Mkhwanazi, the congress was highly successful and demonstrated to critics that the Democratic Alliance is a party for all South Africans.
“During this congress, we adopted progressive policies that have given us the courage to take charge of the country’s affairs. Our leader, John Steenhuisen, tackled these policies and made preparations for a coalition government.”
“As a result, we have amended our constitution and adopted new policies that will better prepare us. I strongly believe that these policies will benefit the people of South Africa. I am delighted to say that all the candidates I supported in the elections, including John Steenhuisen, have won, and I am thrilled with the outcome.”
The delegate representing KwaZulu-Natal, Trevor Pillay, expressed his belief that under the leadership of John Steenhuisen, the blue train has been reinvigorated, and South Africa now has renewed hope.
He further added that after 30 years of freedom, the struggle for a better life continues, as the ANC has failed South Africa in all aspects of life.
However, many delegates have come together to show unity and work towards a brighter future.
Mahlodi Maseko, a delegate from the Western Cape, expressed her satisfaction with the congress’s outcomes.
She stated, “The resolutions adopted represent the future, and we are optimistic that they will benefit all South Africans, not just the DA.”
Maseko, who comes from a humble background and grew up without a mother, emphasized that the DA is not only for the elite but for ordinary citizens on the ground.
She further stressed the need to move away from race-based politics and focus on policies that empower, create jobs, and grow the economy.
Unemployment is a pressing issue in the country, affecting people of all races. Load shedding, too, affects people regardless of their race.
Regarding the resolution calling for the establishment of a Judiciary Inquiry on farm murders, Maseko emphasized that the issue relates directly to food security.
Ernest Smith from KwaZulu-Natal expressed his satisfaction with the election outcomes and was particularly impressed with how the party conducted the congress.
“This has been the most constructive congress yet, and I am pleased with how it went. This was the biggest congress, and it brought all branches together in unity. The DA is unique in that anyone can stand for a leadership position in the party,” he remarked.
Smith emphasized that the party’s focus will now be on the voters as they prepare for the 2024 elections.
Meanwhile, DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube stated that over 2000 delegates had given the new leadership a mandate.
“The delegates have demonstrated their faith in the new leadership, and it is now up to them to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of not only DA delegates but also all South Africans. We wish them all the best,” Gwarube told Inside Politics.
Gregory Krumbock, who presided over the congress, described it as the best gathering he has put together despite the increased size of the delegation.
He was impressed by the enthusiasm of the delegates from various provinces, their singing, and the way they engaged in discussions on amendments and resolutions.
Krumbock also highlighted the joy with which the results were received, adding that they had made a significant step forward in preparing for a party in government.
He noted that seeing the delegates uniting around the new leadership was the most significant achievement.
“I have presided over 32 congresses, and every single ballot was counted, with 98.2% of delegates having voted. The actual results are with the Federal Council,” Krumbock stated.
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