The latest events in the DA have been far more tumultuous than anyone could have expected.
Here are five must-read stories:
Zille's surprise announcement
Earlier this month, former DA national leader Helen Zille surprised her followers on social media when she announced her plan to compete for the position of federal council chairperson.
“After careful consideration and consultation, I have submitted nomination forms to contest the position of chair of the DA's federal council.
“SA cannot succeed unless the DA succeeds. I am prepared to work hard and to play my part in saving our democracy,” she said.
A tumultuous time for the opposition: five must-read DA stories
Image: Gallo Images
The latest events in the DA have been far more tumultuous than anyone could have expected.
Here are five must-read stories:
Zille's surprise announcement
Earlier this month, former DA national leader Helen Zille surprised her followers on social media when she announced her plan to compete for the position of federal council chairperson.
“After careful consideration and consultation, I have submitted nomination forms to contest the position of chair of the DA's federal council.
“SA cannot succeed unless the DA succeeds. I am prepared to work hard and to play my part in saving our democracy,” she said.
WATCH | DA in trouble in Joburg as coalition partners speak out on Mashaba's exit
Unity and stability
While campaigning hard for the federal chairperson position, Zille insisted she was the right candidate.
In an interview with eNCA, she said she could bring unity and stability to the party.
“I’m back because I was asked. I think I can bring unity and stability to the party. I think the party is suffering very much at the moment. It’s a party I have invested my whole life into.
“SA’s democracy depends on the DA succeeding. I really would like to put every effort I can into it again,” said Zille.
DA's task now is to redefine its role in SA
Newly appointed
On Sunday, Zille beat her rivals for the position of federal chair.
She takes over from James Selfe, who held the position for 19 years.
In her acceptance speech, the newly elected federal council chair said she would stay in her lane.
“I will stay in my lane. This a job that co-ordinates the different structures, functions, systems and processes. My job is to ensure all those things run smoothly.”
5 reasons why Herman Mashaba quit
Trollip lost to Zille
Former Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Athol Trollip's confidence was met with a disappointing outcome when Zille defeated him and MPs Mike Waters and Thomas Walters in an election on Sunday for the federal council chair position.
Before crunch time, Trollip told DispatchLIVE he had made himself available for the position because of his “great affection for this party”, and his belief that the DA “represents the only realistic alternative to the failing ANC”.
“The challenges the DA is facing are centred on factional interpretation of what we are trying to achieve, which is ‘one SA for all’ based on ‘freedom, fairness, opportunity, and diversity’," he said.
Zille vows to 'stay in my lane' after winning vote for top DA job
Mashaba resigns
Following Zille's council chairperson appointment, a position second only to that of party leader Mmusi Maimane, Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba announced his resignation, citing that the DA intended to break up the coalition that helped him land the job.
“The DA I signed up for is no longer the DA that emerged from the recent federal council meeting,” he said.
Herman Mashaba resigned from his post as Johannesburg mayor on October 21 2019. He listed unhappiness with the direction of the DA as a major factor for his departure. This leaves an uncertain future for the coalition in the city. Sunday Times political reporter Zingisa Mvumvu reports.
Will Herman Mashaba stay or quit as mayor?
Herman Mashaba to resign as Joburg mayor, DA insiders confirm
Vote counting delays announcement of DA federal council chair
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Related articles
Latest Videos