LYDENBURG – On Saturday local DA MP Ms Sonja Boshoff, was on elected as the new provincial deputy leader of the party. She took time out of her busy schedule to talk to Steelburger/Lydenburg News on this new chapter in her political career.
Boshoff told the newspaper shortly after being elected that she wishes to pay tribute to each and every delegate who supported her from the day she made her candidacy known.
“To those who voted for me I would like to extend a big thank you. I wish to take this opportunity in thanking the outgoing leader, Anthony Benadie for his guidance and inspiration.
He led the DA to great heights in Mpumalanga. Together with the newly elected team, I undertake to build on his legacy. As Helen Zille, the national leader said, the newly elected leadership, under the guidance of James Masango, has big shoes to fill. We will not disappoint her, collectively we will fill these shoes.”
Boshoff said no leader can be successful without the foot soldiers of the province, and she therefore wish to unequivocally state that she undertakes to serve the people and the DA with pride, commitment and passion.
“As we know our democracy is under threat and the DA is the only party that can save South Africa from total collapse. Together we need to shape our future by working as a team to grow the support base in our province and in doing so become the national government.
It is therefore imperative that South Africans across the board must stand together with the DA to bring about change. The values that Madiba stood for are the values that the DA stands for today. These values, like the leaders that championed them, are timeless. These are the values we will fight for in all communities across the province.”
She said that South Africa deserve a government that is in it for the right reasons, and not to get rich. “Power belongs to the people, and they must take it back from those who have captured it for their own benefit.
The next few months in the run up to the 2016 local elections are going to be tough, and the leadership of the province needs to be geared as this is a make – or – break election and the ANC is not going to go down without a fight. We need to ensure that every able body is out there spreading the DA word.”
She said even though she was no longer actively involved in the daily politics of Thaba Chweu, she wished to express her heartfelt gratitude to every resident in Thaba Chweu who supported her in her endeavours in realising her goal. “You will always be close to my heart.
Lastly, allow me to thank my family, my husband Jaap and son, Jason for all your sacrifices in allowing me to serve the party in the way that I have. Without your unfounded support I would not be where I am today.”
