DA Targets ANC majority in North West

The Democratic Alliance (DA) aims to reduce the African National Congress (ANC) to below 50% in all municipalities across the North West province in the upcoming municipal elections, party leader John Steenhuisen said.

“Our aim here in the North West is to reduce the ANC below 50% in all municipalities. People need water. People want safety. This election must be won with trust,” Steenhuisen said.

Steenhuisen was addressing the DA’s North West provincial elective congress in Potchefstroom today, where new provincial leadership is expected to be elected.

He stressed that the municipal elections must be fought on the basis of trust and care for communities.

Although Steenhuisen confirmed that he would not seek re-election at the party’s national elective congress later this year, he said he remains committed to working with party members to grow the DA’s voter base.

A closely contested race is expected at the provincial congress.

Political analyst Professor André Duvenhage from North West University said the congress was likely to usher in new leadership.

“There is expected to be a leadership change. We are going to see a leadership contest there,” Duvenhage said, adding that the DA traditionally favours continuity over radical change.

Current provincial leader Leon Basson will not be available for re-election due to his responsibilities as chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on water and sanitation.

“I have decided to step down as provincial leader at the provincial congress, and I will not be available for re-election,” Basson told party members.