DA’s candidates for election announced
The DA's provincial election candidates were announced in Gauteng over the weekend.
POLOKWANE – The DA’s provincial election candidates were announced in Gauteng over the weekend.
The party’s official candidate for premier is their provincial spokesperson, Langa Bodlani.
DA member of parliament and deputy shadow minister of energy, Jacques Smalle, plans to return to the province and the legislature.
Desiree van der Walt, the party’s ertswhile member of parliament will return to parliament.
According to Bodlani, Smalle will retain his position as the party’s provincial leader, and he and Smalle will be working closely together. He said the DA feels it is better if the provincial leader is based in the province and not in Cape Town for a large part of the year.
Van der Walt said her first choice will be to be based among the people in the province, but she is happy for the trust being shown in her by the party in entrust her with a position in parliament.
Bodlani said he is delighted by the role he is being entrusted with. Three issues that will receive priority in the province should the DA reign, are unemployment, especially among the youth, corruption, and the fact that there are no consequences for those found guilty of corruption.
He said the public will be granted access to tender processes. The delivery of services in the rural areas and townships will also be a priority.
Other provincial candidates include Suzan Phala, Frederick Pohl, Dave Tsela, Stephen Manamela, Brian du Plooy, Pierre Cronje and David Sebelebele.
The provincial DA’s national candidates are Lindy Wilson, Solly Malatsi, Desiree van der Walt, Choloane Matsepe, Mpowele Swathe, Beyers Smit, Ntsabeng Lerotholi, Benny Kennet, Elsa Treurnicht and Ngako David Setjie.
During the release of the list, DA leader, Helen Zille, said the DA’s lists for this election represents the most diverse, young and dynamic team that the DA has ever presented to the country. “Most of our new candidates have emerged through the ranks of our party, some have joined us from other parties, and others applied via our public advertisements. All our candidates are committed to the DA’s values and share our vision of an open, opportunity society for all,” she said.
Zille said each candidate has undergone a gruelling, multi-layered assessment and selection process over the last six months.
“Our selection process was rigorous and fair. Our electoral colleges and selection panels from across the country had a difficult task deciding among a pool of candidates of exceptionally high quality.”
