By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng provincial leader Solly Msimanga has been re-elected to the position following a contest from fellow party member in the province, Khumo Ramulifho after caucus leader Mpho Phalatse pulled out of the race.
Msimanga was first elected as DA Gauteng leader in 2020 and was on Saturday re-elected.
The party held its elective congress at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Saturday.
Party leader John Steenhuisen and federal leader Helen Zille attended the gathering to elect new leaders.
Fred Nel was elected as DA Gauteng chairperson, while Pogiso Mthimunye elected the province’s deputy chairperson.
Addressing delegates following his re-election, Msimanga said that his main task was to continue uniting the DA and supporting all its structures.
Msimanga said they were putting the party elections behind them and will now focus on their political opponents so that they will wrestle the province from the ruling party.
“Democrats, allow me to say the battle is never internal, but external. We need to focus our weapons, we need to focus our energy on the opponent who is ahead of us. We will lose great opportunity if we remain internally focused and allow for divisions to creep in the DA,” said Msimanga.
He said the ANC had destroyed the functioning of government in the province.
“Winning Gauteng will not be easy. We need to show a united face and show that we can do what needs to be done. This plane will land safely in 2024… when we say to Panyaza Lesufi at the provincial legislature, pack your bags and go,” he added.
“All of us are united in ensuring that 2024 becomes a reality. The battle is external and not internal. We can not allow internal divisions to affect our work.
“The people of Gauteng want cities that can provide quality services for them. The people in Gauteng want safety on the streets, demanding fairness in jobs and that we open opportunities for all.
Gauteng is the battleground, with several parties hoping to bring the African National Congress under 50%, after getting 50.19% win at the 2019 national polls.