KZN DA rallies behind new leader, John Steenhuisen
The Democratic Alliance in KwaZulu Natal says it's supporting John Steenhuisen all the way to the 2024 general elections and beyond.
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Steenhuisen was elected the leader of the country's main opposition in a virtual vote yesterday, securing 80% of support from delegates over MPL Mbali Ntuli.He'd been acting in the role, since Mmusi Maimane resignation last year.
Helen Zille was also given the thumbs up for Federal Council Chairperson. KZN Provincial Leader Zwakele Mncwango has urged the province's members to rally behind Steenhuisen.
Finally, we have a leader coming from KZN, we have two credible and brave leaders. Moving forward we all have to rally behind John as a leader and we are very proud. At least, now we have leadership," he said.
READ: Steenhuisen storms to victory, elected new DA Leader
Steenhuisen says he wants to build a future that includes world-class service delivery in South Africa's towns and cities.
The former Chief Whip, who received 80% of the vote over MPL Mbali Ntuli in a virtual poll yesterday, immediately outlined big plans for the party.
He says he'll put power back into the hands of the people.
"I want to say to all of our members, all of our activists and our professional staff and our public representatives, thank you. Your daily efforts to fight for South Africa are important and effective.
"You may not see this effect from where you stand but I assure you, we are moving the dial in the right direction. The work might feel thankless and exhausting at times but we are on the right track and we are making progress," he said.
In his victory speech yesterday, Steenhuisen said he could not find a more fitting place to hold celebrations than Durban, where he began his political career.
"I travelled a long road with many of you in the DA. I have fought to fix potholes when I was a councillor and exposed corruption when I was a member of the KZN Legislature.
I have held presidents accountable as a member of parliament. But never in my wildest imagination that I think that one day I would be a leader of this great party of ours."
