Ballito resident Janet Naude writes:
As a member of our Ballito community, I would like to give my response to the editor’s opinion piece (DA playing it safe in Ballito? Courier, September 18).

Firstly, the headline makes no sense. As was mentioned in the piece, Ayabonga has been a successful councillor for Ward 6. I think he would be in no danger of losing his seat and therefore the DA has no need to “play it safe.”

Secondly, I think it is doing Ayabonga a disservice. The DA is contesting many more wards in this election. Yes, Ayabonga has a serious challenge, which he has embraced, but he is the best DA choice for Ward 28. He has a successful track record as a councillor and, as the race issue has already been raised, he is a black man and likely to be more successful in Ward 28.

The racism accusation from the ANC is par for the course and absolutely expected. It is their standard response. But the fact that the editor agrees with the racism charge is disappointing. Ayabonga would not have been a DA councillor at all if race was an issue.

I know and respect both Ayabonga and Walter. I wish Ayabonga success in Ward 28 because I know he will work hard on residents’ behalf and deserves the opportunity.

Walter is a very involved member of the community and has been for many years. He is honest, hardworking, informed and intelligent and will be an excellent councillor.

Ed – Thank you for your thoughtful response. My intention was not to question either candidate’s ability or commitment, but to examine the DA’s strategy in moving an established councillor into a very different electoral contest. The question of race was raised because it formed part of the public political debate around the decision. As much as we might wish South African politics had moved beyond race, it remains a significant factor in our political landscape.