SA needs us, we dare not fail her – DA leader
Speaking to members of the DA in Mogale City from the Dutch Reform Church on Viljoen Street, he told them what to expect from the party.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) will soon host a virtual political congress where DA delegates will elect the leaders they want to take their party forward in the next three years.
In light of this, DA interim leader John Steenhuisen has been travelling around the country to discuss the future of the party with DA members.
Speaking to members of the DA in Mogale City from the Dutch Reform Church on Viljoen Street, he told them what to expect from the party.
He explained that after the last elections they were in a position to learn from the past, to listen to what their voters have said and to fix what needs to be fixed.
He told those in attendance that the DA needed to be the light that shines on the future, and not the one that shows South Africans how deep is the whole the country has fallen into. When talking about the future of the party, he said they should go back to basics. DA members, regardless of their position in the party, should be on the ground making a difference, and listen to their communities’ needs.
“Being an activist means we walk with our people,” he said, adding that members should campaign on the issues that matter to voters – things like jobs, education, community safety, potholes, sewage and electricity issues – not to politicians.
Lastly he called on members to be disciplined, not to fight among themselves, and rather be the change than just calling out the mistakes that others make.
“I believe that if we stay true to our values and principles, don’t shy away from the tough issues in South Africa and bring people together, then nothing and no one can stand in our way,” he said.
He added that it might not always be easy, but their party will persevere. After answering questions on important issues like the strategy to unite South Africans, the opportunities for young and disabled people in the country, and Black Economic Empowerment in South Africa, he was off to speak at the Economic Recovery Plan debate.
“South Africa needs us; we dare not fail her when she needs us most,” Steenhuisen said.
