KZN DA to elect new leaders
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspaper
A minister, an MEC, and a Member of Parliament are among those contesting for positions in the DA in KwaZulu-Natal as the party heads to its elective congress in the coming weeks.
MP Mzamo Billy will face off against current deputy leader Sthembiso Ngema in the race for provincial leader. Meanwhile, MEC Martin Meyer will be running for deputy leader alongside Bradley Singh and a third candidate. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson will contest for provincial chairperson against another candidate.
Meyer confirmed his candidacy, stating, “Yes, I am indeed running for deputy leader of the DA in KZN. It is a position that, in large part, supports the leader, but what I bring to the position is what I have brought in my department: governing by principles.
“More importantly, we will be going into coalition in municipalities after the local government elections. I think with my experience in government and in the coalition government, I can start now to help prepare our candidates and DA councillors for when they have to take over a troubled department, as I have had to do.
Sithembiso Ngema and Mzamo Billy are both vying for the position of DA KZN leader in the party's elective congress next month.
Image: File Pictures
“With my experience, we are really there to give the party the necessary support, particularly in any coalition negotiations that need to happen after the elections. I have built good relationships with other parties and current partners, and after the election, I will continue building and facilitating with councillors,” said Meyer.
Singh highlighted several attributes, including his strength in ensuring that DA councillors are a key cog in improving service delivery. In a note to delegates, he said, “I will be a deputy leader who ensures that our councillors are not just messengers for the province, but empower leaders in their own right.”
Billy stated he was ready for the leadership role, saying, “I have entered this race because I believe the DA in KwaZulu-Natal is at a defining moment. My offer is clear: it’s to grow the DA across new communities while retaining our existing support, to unite our structures, and to position the party to win in an increasingly competitive environment.
“This election ultimately comes down to the kind of leadership the DA needs at this moment—leadership that is unifying, disciplined, and focused on building a stronger organisation capable of winning. That is the leadership I am offering,” Billy said.
Ngema expressed his objectives should he be elected, stating, “We need to grow the DA in areas where we are noticing slow growth, particularly in rural areas like Umkhanyakude, where we currently have one councillor. The fact of the matter is that the DA is known to everyone, and it is now time to grow the party.
“We will be engaging with traditional leaders, civic organisations, and church leaders as part of our efforts to give the party more platforms to grow. We are known as the party that delivers; the question is whether the people in rural areas feel that. If not, why not? It is time to ensure that everyone knows that the DA is for everyone, regardless of race or skin colour.”
Macpherson said he is running for the post as he intends to take the DA growth in the province to the next level. “I am running on a track record of taking the DA to the GPU and keeping it in the GPU.”
He said the next step is to ensure that the DA is the party that represents all South Africans. “I am grateful for all the support that I have received across the province.”
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