Process to replace De Lille under way
No hats in the ring yet for vacant mayoral post
THE DA has started the process of replacing Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille, but those in the forefront of favoured candidates are publicly discounting themselves from the race.
This week, the party’s Western Cape executive committee will start the process of scouting for De Lille’s replacement.
DA provincial leader Bonginkosi Madikizela told Independent Media the provincial executive would hold a teleconference today to determine time-frames for the transition process and to decide on a possible date to open nominations for a mayoral candidate.
“The federal executive will meet this coming weekend. It will then decide the dates for nominations to be opened and closed, and then people will be expected to submit their applications.
“Then, after closing, we will screen the applications to see if people meet the criteria,” said Madikizela.
The ultimate decision on who will become the mayor lies with the party’s federal executive, which is the highest decision-making body.
De Lille announced that she will resign as mayor at the end of October, following a series of court battles, a failed motion of no confidence and public spats with senior party leaders.
In exchange for her resignation, the DA agreed to drop all disciplinary charges against her.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane said the party would convene in the next few weeks, where a selection panel would oversee the nomination of suitable candidates for the position.
“I want a person who will serve the people of Cape Town, continue our record there and ensure that, ultimately, the people of Cape Town recognise that we want to put them above any other process.
“That is my only focus. I am not going to discuss which is a candidate and which is not. We will begin that process and ensure that by the time the transition takes place in October, we will bring you the best mayor,” said Maimane.
Among names touted to replace De Lille are Madikizela, DA caucus leader JP Smith and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille. Madikizela, however, has said he has no interest in replacing De Lille, and that his main focus at the moment was to campaign for the party and serve in his position as human settlements MEC.
“My answer is still the same. I may be Cape Town mayor in the future but not any time soon. I believe that the person who will be appointed as mayor will be someone who is able to give the role their total attention and serve to their best ability. I am not that person at this moment,” said Madikizela.
Smith has also indicated that he will not make himself available for the position. He said no one within the party had put their name forward for the position.
“Internally, there are no names thrown around, there are no people coming forward or who are available.
“Everyone is busy with their positions and they would like to see progress in their designated positions. I am not available; I have had people calling me and making suggestions that I come forward, but I am not available,” said Smith.