By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced the names of candidates nominated to stand for election at the party’s federal congress next month.
DA members are expected to gather from 1 and 2 April at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg, to elect new national leaders, including the federal leader, federal chairperson, and deputy federal chairpersons.
Nominations for the candidates standing for election opened last month and closed on Monday.
According to the Official Opposition Party, the nominated candidates represent the provincial representation and the age diversity of the party.
Preparation for DA federal congress 2023 is proceeding full steam and the hard work being carried out to prepare for a successful Federal Congress is progressing to plan,” the party said in a statement.
DA leader John Steenhuisen is expected to face competition for the party’s federal leader position from former Johannesburg mayor, Mpho Phalatse, and DA member Lungile Phenyane.
The position of federal council chairperson will be contested between incumbent chair Hellen Zille and Phenyane.
Below is a list of candidates nominated to stand for election at the federal congress:
Federal finance chairperson:
- Dion George
- Lungile Phenyane
Deputy chairpersons of federal council:
- Annelie Lotriet
- Ashor Sarupen
- James Masango
- Lungile Phenyane
- Segope Sathekge
- Thomas Walters
- Tyrone Gray
Chairperson of federal council:
- Helen Zille
- Lungile Phenyane
Deputy federal chairpersons:
- Anton Bredell
- Jean-Pierre (JP) Smith
- Lungile Phenyane
- Natasha Mazzone
- Nqaba Bhanga
- Refiloe Nt’sekhe
- Shehana Kajee
- Solly Malatsi
Federal chairperson:
- Ivan Meyer
- Lungile Phenyane
- Qhawekazi Mbatha
Federal leader:
- John Steenhuisen
- Lungile Phenyane
- Mpho Phalatse
Steenhuisen is in poll position to be re-elected party leader. He said, “I have been very encouraged by the reception that I have received across the country. I have been heavily endorsed by the majority of the provincial structures and by large parts of the public representatives. I have been visiting provinces.