By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse on Monday confirmed she will contest for the party leadership position against John Steenhuisen at the DA’s federal congress.
Phalatse, who was removed as mayor of the country’s largest metro last Friday, said her party needs a dynamic leader who is familiar with the concept of servant leadership.
The DA will hold its provincial conference in April over two days at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
“I do recognise the perception out there that my party, the DA, is indifferent to the plight of black people. Yet, contrary to the narrative, mostly pushed and peddled by our political opponents, we are a party that recognises the injustices of the past and that honours those, like Hector Petersen, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we celebrate,” Phalatse said.
She added, we are unwavering in our belief that South Africa would not be the constitutional democracy which is held in high regard as a shining beacon of hope within the global family of nations, if it were not for the selfless struggles of those who came before us.
According to Phalatse, there is very little doubt that South Africa is at a crossroads.
“One path at this crossroads leads to a potential precipice – a total collapse and mayhem. The other leads to reconstruction and repair. We have an obligation to urgently emancipate the people of South Africa from the shackles of despair and political disillusionment, which are a result of almost 30 years of the ANC’s politics of greed and plunder,” she said.
The former Johannesburg mayor said the country needs new leadership that can rekindle the flame of hope.
“Our country is on the cusp of change. Millions of South Africans are searching for a credible political alternative. Others, in total despair, choose to stay away and simply not participate in the electoral process. As the second largest political party in the country, the DA is well-positioned to become that alternative for all the people of South Africa, black and white, rich or poor, urban or rural,” she said.
Phalatse said the DA she believes in must genuinely promote meritocracy and not tokenism in its selection processes.