DA readies to elect new leadership in 2023

THE DA is gearing up to elect its new leadership in 2023, with the Federal Congress set to begin at the Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg in April.

However, the race for provincial leader is yet to pick up in the Western Cape. The City of Cape Town’s housing portfolio head, Malusi Booi, is tipped to be among those gunning for the position of Western Cape leader. The provincial congress is expected to take place late next year after the Federal Congress.

Insiders in the DA also revealed that while party leader John Steenhuisen could retain his position and run uncontested, some members were still considering the possibility of taking over the reins from federal chairperson Helen Zille.

An insider revealed that Booi was laying the groundwork for his campaign and lobbying behind the scenes for support from delegates. Booi said he was mulling over running for provincial leader.

“This is a democratic process, everyone has the opportunity. People have been asking me to consider running and I will think about it over the holiday period,” Booi said.

A young delegate to the Federal Congress, City of Cape Town councillor Alex Landsdowne, has called for the re-election of Zille and Steenhuisen to their positions.

“I will be supporting John and Helen for re-election to their respective positions at the Federal Congress in April,” Landsdowne said.

He said the expectation was that most party members would support the duo in their campaign.

“They have saved the DA from the lowest position it has been in,” he said.

“It is directly because of the leadership that young politicians such as myself are able to add value in councils and legislatures across the country.”

Meanwhile, turmoil continues to surround former Western Cape legislature speaker Masizole Mnqasela, whose DA membership was terminated after he made disparaging claims against the party. He previously ran for position of DA Western Cape leader against the former leader, Bonginkosi Madikizela.

In the Eastern Cape, sources said concerns about Zille’s age had been raised, with members considering challenging her.

Zille had not responded to questions by the time of publication.