By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
ActionSA has announced former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader in the Northern Cape as its premier candidate for the 2024 general elections.
Louw, served as the DA leader from 2009 until 2020, was on Wednesday (1/11) named best choice to lead ActionSA in the provincial elections.
Party leader Herman Mashaba, flanked by the national chairperson, Michael Beaumont, made the announcement during a media briefing in Johannesburg.
Louw said his appointment is not a birthright but was a gesture of trust inculpated by the values of ActionSA, underpinned by the commitment and accountability to public service above all other responsibilities. He said his political journey has been shaped by years of dedicated service within the community.
“I stand here today not to ask for blind allegiance but rather that you put your faith in a party that is more than just talk but as our name insinuates, one that takes Action.”
“I will lead the Northern Cape to a better future by introducing ethical leadership and promoting a public service that will work for the people,” Louw said.
Louw started off his political career as a councillor in the Sol Plaatje Municipality in 2006 and was elected to the National Assembly three years later in 2009, where he was appointed by DA Parliamentary Leader, Athol Trollip, as the Shadow Minister of Labour.
A few months later he was designated to the post of provincial leader of the party in the Northern Cape following the resignation of Chris Liebenberg.
The following year, in 2010, he was redeployed to the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, taking up his office here on September 13 2010.
Under Louw, the DA became the largest opposition party in the Province, and the Kimberley-born politician consequently took up the post of Leader of the Opposition, a post he retained in the 2019 elections when the party retained its position as official opposition.
Louw then switched allegiances and joined ActionSA without tendering his resignation.
His decision came after the DA suspended him for allegedly attempting to lure DA members to join rival party, ActionSA.