DA campaign more than Danny v Athol

THE DA is preparing to govern Nelson Mandela Bay. The party has nominated a mayoral candidate and concluded a rigorous selection process to identify the most fit for purpose team of councillors to govern NMB. No other political party in Nelson Mandela Bay has achieved this because none of them are serious about their prospects of governing after the 2016 elections.

The DA is unapologetic about putting the best team forward to deliver the best result for the people of NMB.

The DA's campaign quite rightly consists of a mayoral campaign designed to connect the people of the metro to their future mayor.

The campaign also consists of a strong air war strategy, which is complemented by a comprehensive ground war that is generating significant momentum. All components of the campaign have been met with unprecedented support from people across NMB.

The assertion that the DA is running a “Danny v Athol” campaign is a misnomer.

At countless street meetings, town halls and in press statements, the DA has showcased its exciting vision for the metro along with the success stories of the DA in government. Of course there will be times when one’s opponent is the subject of campaign scrutiny and this is not unusual – especially when he is the incumbent mayor.

Athol Trollip is the DA's mayoral candidate in NMB. He and many other DA leaders have visited every single ward to see for themselves what the real issues are on the ground.

Together they have listened to communities and communicated the DA's vision to them so they can make an informed choice between change or more of the same.

In every engagement, the DA’s mayoral candidate has stood together with a diverse team of DA councillors, MPs, MPLs, activists and ordinary citizens. He is part of a diverse DA team that is delivering an exciting DA offer of change.

The people of NMB are crying out for change. More of the same ANC-styled concessionary leadership just won’t cut it. They know that change can only come through strong, decisive leadership, and this is what Trollip and his team promises.

This year, the people of NMB will have a choice between change or more of the same.

When one considers that the DA governs nine out of the top 10 best-run municipalities in South Africa, the choice becomes clear. This excellence in governance comes from bold, decisive and visionary leadership. This is the kind of leadership that NMB deserves.

More of the same ANC leadership will deliver just that – the same.

ANDREW WHITFIELD, MP