By Thys Khiba – The former mayor of Johannesburg Dr Mpho Phalatse has officially declared her candidature for the position of party leader and will go up against incumbent John Steenhuisen.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is expected to hold its conference in April over two days at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
Addressing supporters on Monday at Hector Pieterson Square in Soweto, Phalatse claimed that her decision to run for the party’s top job comes amid the African National Congress (ANC)’s mismanagement of the country.
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“I do recognise the perception out there that my party, the DA, is indifferent to the plight of black people. Yet, contrary to the narrative, mostly pushed and peddled by our political opponents, we are a party that recognises the injustices of the past and that honours those, like Hector, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we celebrate,” said Phalatse.
Phalatse told supporters that there is very little doubt that South Africa is at a crossroads.
“One path at this crossroads leads to a potential precipice – a total collapse and mayhem. The other leads to reconstruction and repair. We have an obligation to urgently emancipate the people of South Africa from the shackles of despair and political disillusionment, which are a result of almost 30 years of the ANC’s politics of greed and plunder,” Phalatse said.
Phalatse believes that South Africa needs new leadership that can rekindle the flame of hope.
“Our country is on the cusp of change. Millions of South Are searching for a credible political alternative. Others, in total despair, choose to stay away and simply not participate in the electoral process. As the second largest political party in the country, the DA is well positioned to become that alternative for all the people of South Africa, black and white, rich or poor, urban or rural,” said Phalatse.
Meanwhile, at the DA’s last election congress, in 2020, former DA leader in KwaZulu Natal, Mbali Ntuli, challenged Steenhuisen for the position but lost out.
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