Winde DA’s premier candidate

DA WESTERN Cape leader Bonginkosi Madikizela has had to make way for Alan Winde as the party’s candidate for premier, a move that has left Madikizela disappointed.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane announced Winde as the party’s premier candidate for the Western Cape yesterday after several days of drama caused by the provincial party leader, after he had tried to install himself as the candidate for the premiership.

“He has the full support of the DA’s national leadership team, his fellow candidates, and the provincial leadership team in this province,” Maimane said.

“Our colleague, Madikizela, was also a candidate for the position, and is the provincial leader of the Western Cape. He has pledged his unequivocal support to Alan, and his graciousness is a testament to his calibre as a leader, and to the strength of the DA’s processes,” he said.

But Madikizela said Maimane’s announcement came with some disappointment. “It is human nature that one feels disappointed, but we soldier on. I will campaign for Alan, I will work with him to ensure that the Western Cape DA retains the province,” he said.

After the announcement, Winde said he would be criss-crossing the province in his election campaign.

“I am humbled by the decision of the party to allow me to stand for premier of the Western Cape. I am putting my best effort into all of this to make a change. A better life, a better school system, a better economy for jobs. There is still so much to be done, but we are ready to deliver,” he said.

ANC Western Cape acting chairperson Khaya Magaxa said Madikizela and his faction had been used to canvas votes.