DA premier suitors list out

The DA has received a total of 31 applications from premier candidates across South Africa ahead of next year’s national elections, the official opposition said yesterday.

The DA stood alone in South Africa for running a candidate list process which was transparent and sought to attract only the best candidates across the country, DA federal council chairperson James Selfe said.

The selection process was rigorous to ensure that the pool from which members of the provincial legislatures, members of parliament, and premier candidates were picked from was extensive and had people dedicated to the democratic project.

“We’re the only party that runs a process as transparent as this,” Selfe said. “As we head towards the 2019 election campaign, the DA will field candidates which have been selected by selection panels comprising members of the federal executive and provincial executives.

“This Friday [June 29], we received a total of 31 applications from premier candidates across the country. These nominees will appear before selection panels in their respective provinces and a candidate will be selected from the process.

“The DA prides itself about this competitive process because our aim is to end up with candidates who will take our offer to the voters and represent their interests,” Selfe said.

Premier candidates were: Western Cape – Fazloodien Abrahams, Bonginkosi Madikizela, David Maynier, Kelly Baloyi, Jacobus MacFarlane, Alan Winde, and Micheal Mack.

Gauteng – Wendy Alexander, Makashule Gana, Katleo Mathebe, Sandy (Khathutshelo) Mbuvha, Ghaleb Cachalia, Johannes Page, Karabo Tledima, Refiloe Nt’sekhe, and Tshepiso Msimanga.

North West – Sandy (Khathutshelo) Mbuvha, Tutu Faleni, Thabo Selepe, Patrick Sesana, and Karabo Tledima.

KwaZulu-Natal – Zoe Moore, and Zwakele Mncwango. Northern Cape – Andrew Louw. Limpopo – Sandy (Khathutshelo) Mbuvha, Tshedza Tshivhasa Sikhwari, Jacobus Frederik Smalle, and Rembuluwani Thelma Marole.

Free State – Coreen Malherbe, and Semakaleng Patricia Kopane.

Eastern Cape – Mzwenqaba Bhanga.

Selfe said: “The country needs total change. We are faced with rampant crime and corruption and a growing number of unemployed South Africans, the DA is the only organisation that can make the difference needed.

“As the only party that has consistently grown every election cycle, we remain resolute in governing the Western Cape with an increased majority and becoming the largest party in Northern Cape and Gauteng.

“This requires ensuring that we have the best candidates to deliver the change that South Africa desperately needs.” – ANA