Analysts differ on Maimane’s qualities as DA leader

That Mmusi Maimane was nominated unopposed for another term as leader of the DA is a clear indication of the regard the party has for him as their leader, a political analyst has said.

“He is not a strong leader, but he is highly respected within the party,” said Andre Duvenhage, a political scientist from the North West University Potchefstroom campus.

Maimane and federal council chairperson James Selfe were unopposed as nominees in their current portfolios. The nominations were announced by DA federal chief electoral officer Anchen Dreyer in Johannesburg yesterday, ahead of the party’s federal congress in Tshwane on April 7 and 8.

The crucial portfolio of federal chairperson, currently held by Athol Trollip, would be contested by Trollip, Solly Msimanga and Annelie Lotriet.

Winning the position would be important for Trollip, as he is likely to be ousted as Nelson Mandela Bay Metro mayor a day before the start of the congress.

The EFF has submitted a motion of no confidence in him for April 6 in a move that could return the ANC to power in the city. Duvenhage said Maimane’s unopposed nomination was to be expected because the party invested a lot in him and he had the backing of the current leadership.

“He is highly regarded.”

But analyst Dumisani Hlophe believed Maimane had been put in the forefront as a token because he is black, while in reality he is a powerless leader. He said the real power in the DA lay with Selfe.

“Selfe is stronger than Maimane, who is seen as a weak leader,” Hlophe said.

That his decision to suspend Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille was changed by the party was indicative that he was not in charge, he said.

“Maimane spoke out of turn when he said that he had suspended De Lille, because the DA leadership emerged later to say she had not been suspended.”

Hlophe believes Maimane wanted to be harsh on President Cyril Ramaphosa over ANC government blunders, but his fellow party top leaders, who were more comfortable with seeing Ramaphosa at the helm, would like to see him given a chance.

“Increasingly, a number of its seniors find themselves in favour of Cyril, and they would want Maimane to slow down.”

Duvenhage said he did not see Maimane as an outstanding leader, but above average compared with his predecessors. He defended the DA approach, saying due to its complex leadership structure, its leader could not be as dominant.

“Selfe plays an important role because he is seen as an experienced and very strong and influential person.”

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