McKenzie, Sobey named as premier candidates for the Western Cape
‘Despite decades passing, and without any real intention to uplift this community, these issues have only worsened’
In an attempt to make inroads in the DA-run Western Cape, the Patriotic Alliance and ActionSA have named their premiership candidates.
And both parties are convinced the next premier will come from their ranks.
The PA has tipped its leader, Gayton McKenzie, as its candidate for premier of the Western Cape while ActionSA has opted for Angela Sobey.
The decision to select McKenzie, who is also the PA’s presidential candidate, was made at a meeting in George at the weekend.
ActionSA announced its decision in Manenberg, Sobey’s place of birth, yesterday.
“My candidacy for premier is centred on the fight to ensure that every resident shares in the progress of our province,” Sobey said.
“Let me be clear, tackling inequality and restoring the rule of law are ActionSA’s top priorities.
“No country or community can thrive when criminality is the order of the day.”
Sobey said after she returned home to Manenberg, she was confronted by a “sad reality”.
“The community was still defined by the very same widespread poverty, underdevelopment and escalating gang violence,” she said.
“Despite decades passing, and without any real intention to uplift this community, these issues have only worsened.
“It was here, during my formative years, that I committed myself to fighting the injustice that condemned our people to abject poverty and our communities to unspeakable suffering,” Sobey said.
The PA said McKenzie had already distinguished himself in the province as the executive mayor of the Central Karoo and had a bold vision for governing the Western Cape.
“As the leader of the party, McKenzie will simultaneously stand as the PA’s presidential candidate,” the party said in a statement.
“If the PA is in a position to enter into a national coalition after the May 29 elections, that possibility will be explored, but leader McKenzie has committed himself to lead the Western Cape, as it is now clear that the province will be severely hung and the PA is likely to emerge as a kingmaker, including in Gauteng, which is being contested by PA deputy president Kenny Kunene.”
The party was confident that it would continue to grow.
“All our premier candidates will do the party proud.”
DA federal leader John Steenhuisen announced last year that the party’s premier candidate was incumbent premier Alan Winde.