DA Gauteng leader John Moodey is set to contest the position to replace the official opposition party's outgoing leader Helen Zille.
Moodey has the backing of the party's biggest region, Gauteng South, with its leader Khume Ramulifho campaigning for his candidature. DA deputy federal chairman Makashule Gana has also thrown his weight behind Moodey.
Ramulifho, who is also an MPL in the Gauteng legislature, told Sowetan: "We are now in a rush consulting to see if members are satisfied with John Moodey."
His vast experience, he said, made his prospects of winning better than those of DA parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane, who is seen as a frontrunner.
Moodey said he was seriously considering standing. "The fact that I was approached by individuals and structures across the country says I do have the support base. I need to consult and be mentally prepared [for] challenges that go with the position," he said.
He would make his final decision by the end of this week.
His comments came as the party was scrambling to find a suitable replacement for Zille, who announced at the weekend that she would not be standing for the position on May 9 when the party holds an elective conference in Port Elizabeth.
Her announcement has triggered a succession race, with names, including that of the party's former parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko, thrown into the hat.
But yesterday Mazibuko, who left in a huff to study at Harvard University in the US in the wake of a fallout with Zille, said she was not available to run. She squashed speculation that she could cut her stay in the US short, saying it was not the right time and that she would rather be a spectator cheering for her friends and colleagues.
"I wish to clarify that I will not be making myself available for election to any leadership post at the DA's 2015 congress. When the time is right, I will make myself available for whichever position I believe will enable me to best make a contribution towards building a better South Africa," she said.
"That time, however, is not now. I would like to wish the candidate or candidates well in the upcoming leadership campaign and election."
Mazibuko further indicated that she remained committed to the DA "as the only political organisation that can lead South Africa to a prosperous future".
Other candidates tipped to replace Zille include Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille and the party's Eastern Cape leader Athol Trollip.
nhlabathih@sowetan.co.za
Moodey joins race to succeed Helen Zille
DA Gauteng leader John Moodey is set to contest the position to replace the official opposition party's outgoing leader Helen Zille.
Moodey has the backing of the party's biggest region, Gauteng South, with its leader Khume Ramulifho campaigning for his candidature. DA deputy federal chairman Makashule Gana has also thrown his weight behind Moodey.
Ramulifho, who is also an MPL in the Gauteng legislature, told Sowetan: "We are now in a rush consulting to see if members are satisfied with John Moodey."
His vast experience, he said, made his prospects of winning better than those of DA parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane, who is seen as a frontrunner.
Moodey said he was seriously considering standing. "The fact that I was approached by individuals and structures across the country says I do have the support base. I need to consult and be mentally prepared [for] challenges that go with the position," he said.
He would make his final decision by the end of this week.
His comments came as the party was scrambling to find a suitable replacement for Zille, who announced at the weekend that she would not be standing for the position on May 9 when the party holds an elective conference in Port Elizabeth.
Her announcement has triggered a succession race, with names, including that of the party's former parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko, thrown into the hat.
But yesterday Mazibuko, who left in a huff to study at Harvard University in the US in the wake of a fallout with Zille, said she was not available to run. She squashed speculation that she could cut her stay in the US short, saying it was not the right time and that she would rather be a spectator cheering for her friends and colleagues.
"I wish to clarify that I will not be making myself available for election to any leadership post at the DA's 2015 congress. When the time is right, I will make myself available for whichever position I believe will enable me to best make a contribution towards building a better South Africa," she said.
"That time, however, is not now. I would like to wish the candidate or candidates well in the upcoming leadership campaign and election."
Mazibuko further indicated that she remained committed to the DA "as the only political organisation that can lead South Africa to a prosperous future".
Other candidates tipped to replace Zille include Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille and the party's Eastern Cape leader Athol Trollip.
nhlabathih@sowetan.co.za
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