DA leader visits Standerton on voter registration tour

The by-election in Ward 4 on October 25 is significant since it is a harbinger of the general and provincial elections in 2024, where the DA wants to get a stronghold on the provincial legislature to put pressure on municipalities.

This point was argued by John Steenhuisen, DA federal leader, at the Standerton Country Club on September 27 during his voter registration tour of Mpumalanga.

The by-election in Meyerville and TLC follows the resignation of Freedom Front Plus councillor Corné Stoltz from the party.

Stoltz will contest the ward as an independent candidate, while Hillel Coetzer and Thinus Janse van Vuuren will represent the FF Plus and DA respectively.

DA Mpumalanga provincial leader Jane Sithole joined Steenhuisen as well as provincial chairperson Bosman Grobler, constituency leaders, councillors, and activists at their various stops. Angel Khanyile, DA member of parliament, was present as well.

Sithole said the adverse political situation is a common thread, not only in Standerton but in the country.

“I don’t need to outline what is wrong,” she said.

“It can change, and we could still salvage our beautiful country.”

She added there is a tomorrow that can be rescued and referred to the normalising of corruption under ANC rule.

ALSO CHECK: Standerton Advertiser 6 October 2023 Issue

In his speech, Steenhuisen mentioned the rundown municipalities in South Africa and ticked off crime, unemployment, load-shedding and corruption.

He said businesses leaving a town would create job losses a small town cannot afford.

“Load-shedding and water problems are compounded by no money set aside for service delivery. It is difficult to fix problems from the opposition benches.”

Steenhuisen added many people, international investors as well, are closely watching the politics in South Africa.

“The ANC and EFF will fast-forward South Africa to a failed state.”

He indicated two big voter categories – those who did not vote in the last election and those aged between 18 and 35 who are not registered to vote.

“We will send a strong message if the DA wins the by-election.”

According to him, the party is strong, getting people from different cultures together and boasts clean governance and clean audits where they are in charge.

“The 2024 election will have a huge impact on municipalities, and we have to change the power on provincial level. The notion that the ANC can self-correct is a myth and a fantasy. This is a golden opportunity.”

Attendees had an opportunity to ask questions.

Alberto Franco, DA councillor for Ward 8, wanted Steenhuisen’s views on candidates standing independently.

The federal leader answered Franco’s query by saying that everything in parliament is determined by proportionality.

“Standing independent is like injecting fish into a system designed for fowl.”

Janse van Vuuren outlined his experience on a municipal level.

He emphasised the need for discipline and said he has no problem with legislation after being involved with agendas and minutes for 21 years on a local level.

“The priorities in Meyerville are water and street lights that have to be on, and then the potholes. I will fight for funds for the ward. I am not afraid to put my head on the block.”

He told the Standerton Advertiser he was positive and working very hard.