DA says Joburg, Ekurhuleni metro victories 'a surprise'

The DA won mayoral positions in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metros.

"Yesterday's developments in the votes for mayor and speaker in both Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni Metros came as a surprise to everyone, including us at the DA," says DA leader John Steenhuisen.

"We didn't ask for help from the EFF to lead these governments, and we did not expect to leave these meetings with two new DA mayors, and both these metros' first-ever female mayors.

"But the election of Dr Mpho Phalatse and Tania Campbell, as the new mayors of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni respectively, signifies an incredible opportunity for these metros."

“I know both these women well, and I can vouch for their character, their commitment and their willingness to do whatever it takes to put the interests of the people first."

Steenhuisen says they did not solicit the support of both the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or ActionSA for their candidates in these metros.

"There was no deal made with them, and there is no quid pro quo for supporting our candidates. All we offer these parties is the opportunity to be on the right side of history.

"We will put proposals on the table to end corruption, improve service delivery, and to attract investment to these cities in order to create the jobs that are essential to lifting people out of poverty.

"It will be up to them to show whether they are interested in this agenda or not.”