Local government elections: DA announces mayoral candidates for metros

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it’s ready to hit the ground running in the upcoming municipal elections. The party has announced its top picks for mayoral posts in five of the country’s metros.

For now, the local government elections are set to be held on 27 October 2021, however the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) recently approached the Constitutional Court, seeking a postponement.

Judgement has since been reserved in the matter. The DA is against the possible postponement and reckons things should go ahead as planned. An inquiry headed by retired deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke recommended that the municipal elections be held no later than February 2022, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DA says it spent a year selecting its candidates, including extensive interviews, practical assignments and assessments by independent panels.

“These men and women have proven to us that they not only carry the DA’s vision for building a better South Africa into everything they do, they have also demonstrated that they are not afraid to put in the effort that this will require,” DA leader John Steenhuisen said.

Here they are – The DA’s picks for mayor

City of Cape Town: Geordin Hill-Lewis – he is a DA’s shadow minister of finance and is set to the metro’s current mayor Dan Plato, who has been in the post since 2018.

City of Tshwane: Randall Williams – became mayor for the capital in October 2020 after a tumultuous period for the metro. Former mayor Stevens Mokgalapa resigned in the wake of a sex scandal which rocked his office.

Nelson Mandela Bay: Nqaba Banga – The DA Eastern Cape leader was elected unopposed as mayor back in December 2020.

City of Ekurhuleni: Refiloe Nt’sekhe is currently the DA’s Deputy Federal Chairperson and is vying to take over from the ANC’s Mzwandile Masina.

City of Johannesburg: Mpho Phalatse is a former Health MMC for the city and currently a DA councillor.

“These men and women have proven to us that they not only carry the DA’s vision for building a better South Africa into everything they do, they have also demonstrated that they are not afraid to put in the effort that this will require”

DA leader John Steenhuisen