Max throws hat into DA leadership ring
MPL bids to turn around party’s flagging support in province
IT’S OFFICIALLY a contest as the battle to become the next leader of the DA in the Western Cape has begun. Lennit Max, DA MPL in the Western Cape Legislature, has confirmed that he will go head-to-head with Bonginkosi Madikizela, acting provincial leader and MEC for human settlements, while others are positioning themselves for deputy positions.
“Pursuant to calls from various DA constituencies in the Western Cape, I hereby confirm that I will be contesting the position of provincial leader during the provincial congress,” Max said.
“Having travelled throughout the province and engaged with numerous constituencies, I was humbled by the overwhelming support and nominations to stand as leader.”
Max said his main focus would be to further grow the DA, especially in the rural regions of the province.
“I am going to give the DA structures much more space in the party. They need to be recognised and we need to look at their needs,” he said. “We need to speak to them more and give them a voice.”
Max said that figures from the latest Ipsos market research show a downward trend in support for the DA.
“The structures have highlighted their deep concern with the loss of support and wards to the ANC in traditional DA strongholds,” he said.
“The latest research indicates that under the current leadership, the DA support in the Western Cape has decreased from 63.60% in 2016 to 47% (in 2017).
“The province is in need of true, transparent, accessible and pro-active leadership.”
“In addition to this, the provincial leader should enforce discipline within party ranks and ensure that decisive action is taken, without fear or favour, against any member that violates the party’s constitution,” he added.
Max has endorsed outspoken DA MPL Masizole Mnqasela as his potential deputy.
Meanwhile, Madikizela launched his campaign on Sunday.
Social Development MEC Albert Fritz will run as his deputy.
Madikizela announced his intentions at the Colosseum Luxury Hotel in Cape Town where his partner‚ Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo‚ had celebrated her birthday.
Madikizela’s political career has been under a cloud after the Western Cape Legislature’s conduct committee instituted a probe into his birthday party held at the One&Only Cape Town hotel earlier this year.
The committee has also been investigating allegations that he failed to declare a R3 000 cake, a gift from a contractor who had done business with his department.
Madikizela already enjoys the endorsement from new Cape Metro chairperson Grant Twigg, who could sway the outcome of the DA Western Cape provincial congress next month.
DA MPL Daylin Mitchell was rumoured to be running for deputy provincial chairperson. The party’s elective congress is scheduled for October 7.