MBOMBELA – After a break of barely five months from politics, former leader of the DA in Mpumalanga,
Mr Anthony Benadie, is planning a comeback, saying “politics is in my blood”.
Benadie, who was the provincial leader of the party and an MPL from 2004 until last year, announced in August 2015 that he was taking a sabbatical from politics.
He did not make himself available to be re-elected as provincial leader, aiming for a position in the DA’s national structures instead. He was not elected, while Mr James Masango was elected provincial leader unopposed.
It was intended for Benadie to take up Masango’s vacated post as Member of Parliament, but Benadie decided against it, citing family reasons.
Now he says that politics is in his blood, and after five months away, he cannot stay away any longer.
“I want to get involved on a local level. Politics is an integral part of my life. I have a deep passion for it.
“Given the circumstances in the country and the province and in my community, I can’t sit
on the sidelines.”
Benadie says he has thrown his name in the hat to represent the party in the local government elections, due sometime between May and August, in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality and Nkangala District Municipality.
Both are based in his hometown of Middelburg, where he has been running a restaurant during his hiatus.
This is something he will continue doing should he be elected as a local councillor. The selection process for candidates is ongoing. He has applied, and had an interview with the selection panel earlier this week.
“I will give it my best shot. I am not entering into the process with any sense of entitlement,” he says, and points out, “I bring a wealth of experience to the table.”
