Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-03-25 16:00:05
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has recently introduced 11 new candidates for national and provincial government positions leading up to the 29th of May elections. Among these fresh faces is Ian Cameron, a community safety activist, Liam Jacobs, the leader of the DA Students Organization, economist Mondli Mdluli, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, the DA deputy chief whip in Ekurhuleni, and Kabelo Mogatosi, a former Nelson Mandela Bay MMC for roads.
The announcement of these new candidates came after a 10-month process of evaluating the performance of incumbent members of parliament and provincial legislatures and screening new candidates. John Steenhuisen, the leader of the party, revealed during a media briefing at the party’s headquarters in Johannesburg that the selection process was meticulously designed to identify the best and brightest candidates. The process, overseen by federal council chairperson Helen Zille, assessed candidates based on various metrics to ensure that they aligned with the party’s values of freedom, fairness, opportunity, diversity, and meritocracy.
Steenhuisen emphasized the diversity of the new candidates in terms of race, gender, and professional background, stating that the DA stands out in South Africa for its inclusive representation of society. He highlighted the party’s commitment to governance that considers the needs of all citizens, irrespective of their background.
Ian Cameron, known for his work in crime activism, outlined his focus on crime and the justice system, areas he is passionate about. Despite his lack of government experience, Cameron expressed confidence in his ability to contribute based on his hands-on experience with crime-related issues in Cape Town. He challenged critics to engage directly with the challenges faced by communities affected by crime.
Helen Zille noted that out of the top 30 candidates on the national list, 14 were women, emphasizing that women earned their positions through merit rather than quotas. She affirmed the party’s commitment to fairness in the selection process, offering candidates the opportunity to appeal if they felt unfairly treated.
Overall, the DA’s candidate selection process was deemed fair and transparent, leading to a relatively smooth outcome and a pledge to adhere to the principles of fairness and meritocracy. The party’s diverse and dynamic lineup of candidates reflects its dedication to representing the interests of all South Africans and upholding democratic values.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
