Worry at how DA is electing candidates

AS a member of the DA and a former councillor of the party, my spirits were buoyed by a recent poll showing that the DA has gained in popularity.

I am, however, greatly disturbed at certain insidious developments, especially regarding the PR (proportional representation) list released by the DA.

First, at Haniff Hoosen being chosen as mayoral candidate when he already has a high-ranking position as an MP, and has not served as a councillor in recent times. It is a matter of concern as his ambition has no bounds.

DA councillors in the eThekwini caucus have highly talented politicians among them who could have graced the mayoral position in the unlikely event of the DA unseating the ANC.

Further, Hoosen and his wife, Sharon Hoosen, are both potential candidates for the eThekwini caucus of the DA, yet the DA rules are clear – no two close family members are allowed to sit on the same caucus. Hoosen himself, recently opposed a candidate who applied for a councillor’s position because he had a “close family member” on the same caucus.

Are the rules in the DA applicable to some and not others – especially the elite?

Second, another disturbing development is the “parachuting” of new candidates into electable positions when they have not made any significant contribution to the party.

There are people in the DA who may not have “connections” in high places, or who may not be “yes men” but who are real work horses who have contributed significantly towards the reputation of the party – and been relegated to “flag-waver” status.

Finally, the DA is obsessed with trying to be politically correct by embracing racial quotas and relegating the prime quality of merit to the back burner.

Many DA councillors have been cowed into subservience by the dreaded performance development management system of the party, which hangs like the sword of Damocles over their heads.

The joy and zeal of being a councillor is no more, according to the views of many colleagues who have confided in me.

One then wonders how the hapless electorate will be served by DA councillors when their greatest service is to the internal appraisal systems rather than actual service delivery?

GB SINGH Newlands West