New era starts for DA

Party bids farewell to Trollip in change of leadership

DA PRESIDENT Mmusi Maimane sang the praises of outgoing Eastern Cape provincial leader Athol Trollip, describing him as a “brother”.

Maimane was speaking at the International Convention Centre in East London yesterday where more then 400 DA delegates were electing their new leadership.

The results will be announced today.

Maimane, who is scheduled to give a keynote address today, dedicated his speech yesterday to Trollip.

Nelson Mandela Bay had “never been better – the people of Nelson Mandela did not only see a farmer but they saw a leader that they wanted,” said Maimane, referring to the overwhelming support the DA had received at the August local government polls, when it outclassed the ANC.

Maimane took the opportunity to appeal to delegates to accept the outcome of the congress and work together beyond the congress.

A grouping led by the outgoing DA provincial chairwoman Veliswa Mvenya is battling for support against the supporters of former ANC Youth League leader turned DA councillor Nqaba Bhanga.

Maimane referred to another bruising contest within the DA, when Trollip contested against Lindiwe Mazibuko as the party’s leader in parliament but lost.

“I feel it is important to reflect on one of the most difficult moments in Trollip’s career when he contested the national congress and lost that election.

“Similarly today some of you will win and some will lose. But when Athol lost he did not badmouth the party.

“I want to say to those of you who are here, they must follow that example.”

Trollip has been the party leader for the province since 2002.

Several senior DA leaders including federal chairperson James Selfe, NMM councillor Andrew Whitfield as well as DA MPLs Kobus Botha and Vicky Knoetze, were in attendance.

Outgoing provincial chairwoman Mvenya also sang Trollip’s praises. “I am who I am because of what we have been to each other. You supported me when I was making a footprint in Transkei. You mentored me,” said Mvenya. Then the two hugged each other.

In reply Trollip said: “I thought Veliswa’s tribute was special to me because we have travelled a very long way together.”

The party also gave awards to councillors, employees and members of parliament who had performed well.

Whitfield and provincial director Elmarie Botha were crowned best performers, while Botha and MPL Vicky Knoetze were recognised as the best performing MPLs. — simthaf@dispatch.co.za