The controversial DA list released

THE DA released its list of candidates yesterday, which is still subject to an appeal process after objections were lodged regarding the rankings and inclusion of certain members.

The current list includes a large number of new candidates, while the names of confidential candidates have not been disclosed yet.

Number one on the Proportional Representative (PR) list for Sol Plaatje district is Kimberley sheriff Surech Kika (pictured), who is also the DA mayoral candidate.

Of the newcomers, Saamstaan Kimberley co-ordinator Linja van Wyk is ranked number nine on the PR list and DA Provincial Youth co-ordinator Ofentse Mokae is number eight on the list. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual and Intersexual activist, Apostle Shaine Griqua has also been included as a councillor for ward 28 in Kimberley. Marie Bylefeld and the wife of former DA leader Chris Liebenberg, Reinette Liebenberg, have been retained as PR councillors.

Chris Liebenberg left the DA to join Cope in 2014 as he believed that they were the only party that had the expertise to govern.

Councillor Philip Vorster, Dirk van der Merwe, Desmond Pitt and Ockie Fourie are a few of the established personalities who are still on the list as ward councillors.

PR councillors Kgomotso Mohapanele and Rebecca Mogorosi have also made the list.

Those missing include ward councillors Lionel Askin, Sharief Rosen, Gereld Visagie and Ronnie Morris (PR councillor).

The DA currently holds nine wards and 17 PR seats.

Members who had lodged complaints indicated that they were still waiting for answers.

“The lists should only be released once the appeal process has been finalised. How can we appeal if the names of the confidential candidates have not been released yet,” they asked.

Members had last week raised concerns that family members and friends of the leadership of the party were being included on the list, without having the skills to do the job. DA provincial leader Andrew Louw indicated that the list was “90 percent” complete, subject to the finalisation of the appeal process. “The list can still be tweaked. The appeal process will handle all objections as quickly and smoothly as possible and will inform each person on the outcome and grounds if the appeal is not successful. We cannot wait until the appeal process is completed before we release the list, as it may take forever.” He added that the identities of the confidential candidates would only be released once their names had been handed over to the (IEC). “The confidential candidates are either working for government, in private business or are from other political parties.”