Steenhuisen election a step backwards for DA

Party doesn’t have confidence in the capacity of its black members, writes Tom Mhlanga.

The recent election of former DA chief whip John Steenhuizen as the new head of the DA is a step backwards for the party. Since the DA elected Helen Zille as the federal chairperson, which was followed by the resignation of Herman Mashaba, Mmusi Maimane and others, this party seems to portray itself as anti-black.

It will take considerable efforts for this party to achieve its programme of building one South Africa for all. It is very clear that it does not have any confidence in the capacity of its black members who are seen as nothing but tools that are used to gain black votes.

Once these black supporters realise they are being used, they will follow the likes of Maimane, Mashaba and others.

Identity politics seems to have found its place again in South Africa.

This is not good.

We can’t have parties that represent its supporters based on the the colour of their skin as happens in this country, with the DA and Freedom Front Plus seen to be representing the poor while the likes of the ANC, EFF, PAC and other smaller parties are seen as representing the blacks.

Clearly we have a long way to go as a country.

The dream of building a South Africa that is united in its diversity is an unrealistic one.

It is then up to us as the people of South Africa to decide whether we want to build that rainbow nation.

Time will tell.