The DA will go to its Federal Congress in April next year. Picture: File
CAPE TOWN: The DA is gearing up to elect its new leadership in 2023, with the Federal Congress set to kick off at the Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg.
But race for provincial leader is yet to pick up in the Western Cape, and the City of Cape Town’s housing portfolio head Malusi Booi is tipped to be among those gunning for Western Cape leader. The provincial congress is expected to take place late next year after the Federal Congress is held in Apirl.
Insiders in the DA also revealed that while DA leader John Steenhuisen could retain his position and run uncontested, some members were still mulling the possibility of taking over the reins from Federal Chair Helen Zille.
An insider has revealed that Booi was laying the groundwork for his campaign and lobbying behind the scenes for support from delegates. Booi said he was mulling over the running for Western Cape leader.
“This is a democratic process, everyone has the opportunity. People have been asking me to consider running and I will think about it over the holiday period,” Booi said.
Meanwhile, a young delegate to the Federal Congress and City of Cape Town councillor Alex Lansdowne has called for the re-election of both Zille and Steenhuisen to their positions.
"I will be supporting John and Helen for re-election to their respective positions at the Federal Congress in April," Lansdowne said.
He said the expectation was that most party members would support the duo in their campaign.
“They have saved the DA from the lowest position it has been in.
“It is directly because of the leadership that young politicians, such as myself, are able to add value in councils and legislatures across the country,” Lansdowne said.
Meanwhile turmoil continues to surround former Western Cape Legislature speaker, Masizole Mnqasela, whose DA membership was terminated after he made disparaging claims against the party.
Mnqasela previously ran for position of DA Western Cape leader against the former leader Bonginkosi Madikizela.
This came as sources in the Eastern Cape said concerns about Zille’s age had been raised, with members mulling over challenging her.
Zille had not responded to questions by the time of publication.
Weekend Argus