The Democratic Alliance‘s (DA) two-day federal congress in Johannesburg has officially started, with the party’s federal chairperson Dr Ivan Meyer warning the African National Congress (ANC) its days in national government are numbered.
DA Federal Congress
More than 2 000 delegates and about 400 members of the media are attending this weekend’s DA federal congress at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, where the country’s official opposition party is electing new leadership.
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The race for DA federal leader is a two-horse race between the incumbent party leader John Steenhuisen and former Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse.
With many political pundits predicting that the ANC is likely to lose its majority during next year’s general elections, the DA’s gathering is expected to set the tone for the party’s message to voters ahead of the much-anticipated polls.
‘Don’t waste a good crisis’
In his opening address to DA delegates, Meyer said life for many South Africans under the ANC’s governance since the dawn of democracy in 1994 has been miserable.
The DA federal chairperson, who is seeking reelection to the top post, said the country is in a permanent state of crisis. He accused the ANC of leading a failed state that is corrupt and criminal.
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Meyer said the DA should not “waste a good crisis” ahead of the 2024 elections.
“Mothers across South Africa are rightfully worried about their children and their future. Parents want a better future for their children. We want a better future for all South Africans.
“The suffering must end in South Africa. People no longer believe in the national government’s rhetoric. They want to see action. They want to see results,” he said.
Meyer said the DA’s federal congress will discuss and adopt policy resolutions that will take South Africa out of the “gridlock” of despair.
New coalition government
He said the party’s congress was therefore “giving notice that the ANC is the outgoing government” and the DA will lead a new coalition government.
“This congress will showcase what the DA is already doing to solve the electricity crisis where the DA is governing.
“In this congress, we will table practical solutions to rebuild South Africa. These solutions are products of data, science, research, evidence and common sense.
“Evidence-based and data-led governance will enter the Union Buildings in 2024 and rewire public governance in South Africa.”
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