The new leader of the DA, Mr Geordin Hill-Lewis, wants his party to be the one in charge of the national government.
Hill-Lewis said he wants his party not only to be part of a coalition government but to be the one to govern independently. He said this while speaking at the DA’s leadership selection conference in Johannesburg, at the weekend.
Hill-Lewis defeated the leader of the DA in Sedibeng Municipality, Mr. Sibusiso Dyonase, in the race to lead the party. Hill-Lewis promised to increase the DA.
“The question is whether the DA will be the party in power. The answer is yes. The DA will grow to be the party in charge of the national government. I just don’t want us to end up being part of a coalition government. I want us to be in charge of the national government.”
He said that what will make the DA continue to grow is that it does something about where it is in charge.
“The municipalities run by the DA are running well. The budget is passed on time and managed properly. The poor people get their needs where the DA is running. In the states we run, we are also doing admirable work. The DA ministers in the national government are also doing very well. Some know how to just talk, they know how to criticize us, we are working.”
He said that all that is left for them to bring in where they can be voted.
“Many people have seen that the DA is able to deliver the needs. What remains is for us to be closer to the people. That does not mean that we have to abandon those who voted for us.”
Hill-Lewis said they will continue to hold firm in the coalition government.
“We must continue to oppose policies that hinder economic growth in the coalition government.”
Among the leaders who have been elected to positions, are the leader of the DA in Gauteng, Mr. Solly Msimanga, who has been elected as the Federal Chairman, the Minister of Basic Education, Ms. Siviwe Gwarube, who has been elected as the first Deputy Chairman and the Minister of Communications, Mr. Solly Malatsi, has been elected as the third Deputy Chairman.
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Ashor Sarupen, has been appointed as the Chairman of the DA council.