Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chris Makhaye
Published on 2024-03-24 20:54:12
In the lead-up to the KwaZulu-Natal elections, the pre-election polls do not indicate a potential victory for the DA on its own. However, the DA’s premier candidate, Chris Pappas, remains committed to promoting his party’s manifesto as a solution to the various challenges faced by gatvol KZN voters. In an interview with the Daily Maverick, Pappas outlined his strategy following the launch of the DA’s KZN election manifesto in Durban.
Pappas is actively engaging with communities across the province, including Verulam, where residents have been struggling with intermittent water supply issues. During the manifesto launch, Pappas made seven key pledges, including job creation, addressing water shortages, improving law enforcement, and incorporating independent power producers into the energy grid. He emphasized the DA’s understanding of local issues and its commitment to implementing tailored solutions through experienced and ethical governance.
Pappas gained recognition as the DA’s mayoral candidate for uMngeni Local Municipality in the Midlands, where the party secured control from the ANC in a historic victory. Despite facing challenges, including allegations of corruption, Pappas has delivered tangible progress in uMngeni, including improved audit outcomes and enhanced service delivery.
Looking ahead to the provincial elections, Pappas envisions bringing practical solutions to KZN’s challenges if elected as premier. His priorities include cutting wasteful expenditure, implementing lifestyle audits, and reallocating resources to critical services like healthcare and water. Pappas is critical of cadre deployment practices, emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent recruitment process based on merit.
Acknowledging the persistent issues of race and inequality in South Africa, Pappas advocates for a nonracial society based on meritocracy. He expresses disappointment in the older generation of leaders for failing to build a truly inclusive nation and overcome systemic challenges.
As part of the Multi-Party Charter, the DA collaborates with other opposition parties to challenge the ruling ANC in KZN. While the IFP advocates for relocating the provincial capital to Ulundi, the DA supports the retention of Pietermaritzburg as the capital due to its existing infrastructure and operational costs associated with relocation.
With the upcoming elections, no party is expected to secure a majority in KZN. Polls suggest a decline in ANC support, with the IFP and DA expected to increase their share of the vote. The political landscape in KZN remains dynamic, with various parties vying for influence and support from the electorate.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
