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Solly Msimanga, Gauteng DA leader. (Gallo images)
- Solly Msimanga was elected provincial party leader in Gauteng during a virtual congress on Saturday.
- Msimanga said he did not seek any endorsement during his campaign because he wanted to avoid creating divisions.
- The leader also asked members to support the party that represents him as the 2021 local elections approach.
The former mayor of Tshwane, Solly Msimanga, has been elected provincial leader of DA Gauteng.
Msimanga was elected during the party’s provincial congress on Saturday, where voting took place online.
MPL Fred Nel was elected provincial president, with Bongani Nkomo as his deputy.
After being elected, Msimanga said that change for the people will only happen when the DA stands firm and focuses on its values, principles and policies, and when the party is a part of people’s daily lives and experiences.
“We have to connect with all the residents of this province who share our values, but have not yet voted for us.
Create new opportunities
“To convince them that the DA is a home for them, we must not simply tell them. We must create opportunities for new leaders to emerge. We must be the true representation of the nation we want to lead,” Msimanga said.
He added that while “others press for illegal land invasions,” the party must defend the agrarian reform programs and be champions of the provision of services in all the municipalities of the province.
He said the party would continue to do its work in Midvaal while also monitoring the Johannesburg council.
Msimanga encouraged members to be on the ground as the 2021 local elections loomed. He said the best would have to be selected to represent the party.
READ |DA’s Msimanga Says Factions Are Not His Focus As He Assumes The Role Of Acting Leader In Gauteng
He also expressed his gratitude to James Lorimer, who applied for the position.
“I am committed to working with all party structures as we move into this exciting new chapter for DA in Gauteng.
“I am committed to allowing true democracy, open communication, a culture of mutual respect, support and teamwork,” he said.
Msimanga also called for unity in the party, saying that the reason he did not seek any endorsements during his campaign for office was because he feared it would promote division.
“I want to be a leader for all of our members, not for some or for a faction. It is important that we come together as a party because that is what our members and voters want to see. No one wants to support a divided chamber. I hope this marks one. trend for future internal elections. ”
