×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

DA says no to a black leader

DA MEMBERS in Western Cape said no to a black leader at the weekend, instead putting another pale male at the helm.

DA MEMBERS in Western Cape said no to a black leader at the weekend, instead putting another pale male at the helm.

The DA's provincial congress in Hartenbos, about 400km from Cape Town, was a showdown between provincial leader and health MEC Theuns Botha and two black candidates - Cape Town mayor Dan Plato and community safety MEC Lennit Max.

It was reported last week that the DA was "under pressure to produce a black leader".

But the 990 members who voted at the provincial congress gave the idea of a black leader the thumbs down, re-electing Botha instead.

Botha got 543 votes compared to Max's 317 and Plato trailed behind miserably, getting only 123 votes. It is the second time Max has lost the provincial election to Botha.

Max was recently off work on special leave to deal with claims of sexual harassment made against him by police clerk Belinda Petersen last month.

Petersen told local tabloids that she had to repay Max with sexual acts in exchange for his representing her in a disciplinary hearing in 2007. But Max then laid charges of extortion against her.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.