DA delegates vote for or against proposed amendments to the party’s constitution. (Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)
The Democratic Alliance has never had a deputy federal leader and such a position will not be created anytime soon.
Several amendments to the party’s constitution were considered on Saturday, including the proposal that the federal leader should get a deputy. However, the proposal did not enjoy enough support from delegates at the congress and was rejected.
“It didn’t come close to the required two-thirds,” Kevin Mileham announced after the votes were counted early Saturday afternoon. Some delegates requested a re-vote, but Mileham turned the request down.
Pogiso Mthimunye proposed this relevant amendment to the party’s constitution. “We have to plan for the future,” Mthimunye motivated his proposal.
“The real possibility of a DA president of South Africa makes a strong deputy federal leader essential. This individual will provide integral support to the president.”
DA delegates vote for or against proposed amendments to the party’s constitution. (Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)
The motivation behind it is that the election of a deputy federal leader, with clear delegation from the federal leader, eases the federal leader’s workload – especially after the DA’s central role in the government of national unity has placed unprecedented demands on the federal leader.
“This intense focus on the government has created a bit of a vacuum: The voice of the DA in government has often overshadowed the party’s voice on its own, especially when it comes to strong opposition to problematic national legislation,” the proposal read.
“We must correct this imbalance to ensure our members and constituents are fully engaged and informed. Our proposed solution: a dedicated deputy federal leader.”
According to the proposal, a deputy federal leader would be able to communicate directly with voters regarding the party’s strategy and progress within government and act as an important link between the parliamentary caucus, the party leadership, voters and the party’s grassroots structures, all under the overall direction of the federal leader.
Kevin Mileham (Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)
DA delegates vote for or against proposed amendments to the party’s constitution. (Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)
DA delegates vote for or against proposed amendments to the party’s constitution. (Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)4
DA delegates vote for or against proposed amendments to the party’s constitution. (Photo: Tania Heyns/Maroela Media)