Nominations open for DA leader

THE race is on to elect a new DA leader in Western Cape with the party closing all nominations on Sunday.

Western Cape Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz has been acting as DA Western Cape leader since Bonginkosi Madikizela submitted his resignation almost two weeks ago.

It’s been reported that MPL Wendy Philander has also expressed her willingness to stand as a candidate once nominations are opened.

DA provincial chairperson Jaco Londt said the leader is expected to be elected on May 29 at the Provincial Council meeting.

The successful individual will act as interim leader until the next Provincial Congress.

Given the current qualifications debacle within the party, Independent Media questioned whether the nomination will be based on qualifications, to which Londt responded: “We will communicate all the successful applicants as soon as their required documentation has been verified.

“There is no requirement in the Constitution that individuals standing for party positions should have certain qualifications. Every delegate will apply his/her mind on what each of the candidates offer. There will be several considerations given to each candidate based on each delegate’s point of view, expectations and hope for what the aspirant leaders offer.”

The opposition party has come under the spotlight in recent weeks as it surfaced that a number of senior members are not suitably qualified or have no post-matric qualification.

Madikizela, who was suspended from his role as MEC for 14 days, resigned from all his positions last month after he became embroiled in a controversy related to falsifying qualifications. He submitted his resignation as both DA Western Cape leader and Transport and Public Works MEC.