Analyst says hard work now begins for DA
A political analyst says the Democratic Alliance has a tough road ahead after bringing an end to its long battle with member, Patricia de Lille.
The Cape Town Mayor announced her resignation yesterday saying it comes after an agreement with the DA.
Analyst Daniel Silke says the collateral damage the De Lille saga has done to the DA's public image, may haunt the party during next year's elections.
"It is indeed an opportunity for the DA to find a mayoral candidate who can connect with the people of Cape Town. The DA also has to heal the wounds in its own city of Cape Town caucus. The DA has been struck but the hard work of rebuilding now really begin," Silke said.
Meanwhile, the outgoing mayor says she hasn't struck a deal with the DA.
She says she's resigning because she couldn't take anymore abuse.
ALSO READ: DA stands by internal findings on De Lille
De Lille's also said on Twitter that the DA's dropped the disciplinary charges against her due to a lack of evidence.
Speaking to the media after yesterday's shock announcement, she said the City's probe continues.
"They are still investigating. Then they must make a recommendation to council whether they found enough evidence to actually discipline me.
De Lille won't be the mayor anymore after October. She says negotiations with the DA began about a month ago.
"And it has been difficult but fortunately for me - I'm very consistent because I speak the truth all the time. I don't deviate from what I've said. Privately and publicly, I've said the same thing. I'm just happy that we've found an agreement now," she said.