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New challengers threaten DA’s majority in Western Cape

The DA is at risk of losing its majority in Western Cape as support for new parties is expected to surge in the province and others look to win over voters on the issue of Palestine. The DA, however, remains confident.
New challengers threaten DA’s majority in Western Cape For the first time since taking control of the Western Cape 15 years ago, the DA faces a significant threat to its majority. The dynamics echo the national challenge faced by the ANC. While the ANC needs to lose eight percentage points to lose its majority nationally, the DA only needs to lose six percentage points to jeopardise its hold on the province. The Western Cape has always presented a unique political landscape compared to national trends. Unlike other provinces where the ANC has traditionally dominated, the Western Cape saw no party achieving an outright majority until 2009 when the DA secured 51.46% of the vote. The party increased its support to 59.38% in 2014, its best result to date, but saw a decline to 55.45% in 2019. The decline was attributed to DA voters moving to the Freedom Front Plus after losing trust in then-leader Mmusi Maimane, while others switched to the newly formed Good Party, the EFF and Al Jama-ah. There was also a slight drop in voter turnout in the province, as was the case in the rest of the country.  In the 2021 local government elections, the DA’s overall support dropped to 54.26%, down from 63.33% in 2016. Although local government election results do not perfectly predict general election outcomes, they do reflect electoral trends, suggesting potential challenges for the DA in the upcoming elections. An Ipsos poll from October 2023 put the DA’s support in the upcoming elections at only 44% and suggested there was a possibility of a coalition government in the province. Another poll by the Social Research Foundation in March 2024 put the DA at 53%, but the tentative conclusion found: “The data suggests that the DA is holding its majority on the national ballot paper, even as its majority on the provincial ballot paper comes under pressure and is now within the margin of error. What that means is that it is plausible for the election to deliver a coalition government in the Western Cape.” Read more in Daily Maverick: 2024 elections While the DA boasts about clean and corruption-free governance, this has not stopped parties from challenging them on the state of impoverished areas, the persistence of apartheid spatial planning, and the party’s foreign policies. These issues continue to fuel debates and could have an impact on voter sentiment as South Africans prepare to go to the polls on 29 May. DA Western Cape

Western Cape voters

According to Electoral Commission of South Africa registration statistics, 3,310,798 people have registered to vote in the Western Cape, with Cape Town accounting for the majority, just more than 2 million, followed by Drakenstein with 137,000 voters and then George and Stellenbosch with just more than 100,000 registered voters each.  Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain have the biggest voting districts. These are areas that feel neglected by the provincial government and are targeted by opposition parties in the upcoming elections.  The ANC stands to benefit from its support of coloured Muslims who are unhappy with the DA’s stance on the Israel-Palestine war but are not happy with the ANC’s governance nationally.  The ANC has been working to improve its performance in the province, and there have been efforts to address internal party issues and improve voter engagement. Parties like Patricia de Lille’s Good Party, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi, the National Coloured Congress, Marius Fansman’s People’s Movement for Change, which has former Cape Town mayor Dan Plato on its books, stand to benefit from the voters who are unhappy with both the ANC and DA. 

New challengers 

Dr Sithembile Mbete, a lecturer in the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria, said the DA had also struggled in recent by-elections, which saw Gayton McKenzie’s Patriotic Alliance (PA) taking wards from both the ANC and DA.  “We are so used to framing all of our politics as ANC vs the DA … but we saw already in 2019 the kind of impact new parties that are appealing to the coloured vote can have.”  Mbete said voter turnout would play an important role. As was seen in the 2016 municipal elections, a high voter turnout produced a blow for the incumbent ANC in Gauteng metros. With the presence of new parties such as Rise Mzansi and the PA gaining momentum, this could spell disaster for the DA.  [caption id="attachment_2180535" align="alignnone" width="720"]PA McKenzie Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie at the party's Victory Rally held at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 10 May 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)[/caption] “The DA will be challenged or constrained in the turnout,” she said. “If the people who stayed away in 2019 but are on the voters’ roll decide to show up this year, I think those people are going to show up not to vote for the DA but rather the new alternatives. That is where parties like PA and Rise Mzansi could really benefit. “The second challenge for the DA is the issue of Palestine. The ANC, Al Jama-ah, and possibly Good Party could benefit from that. To some degree Rise Mzansi.”  Mbete also argued that the people who are not happy with service delivery especially in Cape Town, usually do not vote, but whoever inspires them to vote this time around will make a big dent in the DA’s hold on the Western Cape.  “That is where the threat of a party like Rise Mzansi comes in and that is why the DA calls them mercenaries. I think the DA will drop some votes, but it will not be [so] significant that the DA won’t be able to govern the Western Cape.” Professor Amanda Gouws from the Department of Political Science at Stellenbosch University said the ANC, Al Jama-ah and other smaller parties stood to benefit from these elections. “The DA will lose support and some of the smaller parties will gain, such as Rise Mzansi and the Patriotic Alliance. Gayton McKenzie is making inroads. So it is possible that the DA will go below 50%. Then they will draw on the support of the Multi-Party Charter.”

DA putting up a fight

DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmers said the party was on course to amass sufficient votes to get an outright majority in the upcoming elections and surpass the 2019 results by achieving a 60% electoral victory.  “What our figures are telling us is that something massive is going to happen in the Western Cape,” he told Daily Maverick. “Our party will reap the harvest in many areas where the DA difference was felt and seen. Where we are currently in opposition, like the Central Karoo, we have seen the need of the DA and people want that clean governance.”  Simmers said that in the last 18 months of campaigning the DA had surpassed its own expectations by registering 20,000 more people. Of the threat presented by parties such as the PA, Simmers said the PA had been busing people around to make it look like they had a lot of support and using food parcels to attract more voters.  “The communities vote for them and after by-elections the PA leaders disappear,” he said. “If you look at places like Knysna where the PA is in a coalition with the ANC and EFF, service delivery has declined. They are destroying Knysana, Theewaterskloof, and more and more people are seeing beyond the rhetoric. The DA is the party to vote for if people want service delivery.” 

ANC stronger

The ANC believes that it is going to perform much better than it has done in the previous two elections in the Western Cape owing to its level of canvassing. In 2019, the party won 28.63% of the provincial vote. “I know there’s been a bit of a talk about canvassing targets; we have set our targets very high,” ANC Western Cape spokesperson Khalid Sayed said.  “We’ve been picking up a lot of positive sentiment towards the ANC compared to before. Also, the 15 years of DA failure has begun to lead many people to see us as an alternative government in the province.”  The party could get a boost in support owing to its pro-Palestine stance and the government’s success in the case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which could draw more Muslim voters to the party.  On Friday, 24 May 2024, the ICJ ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, referring to the humanitarian situation in Rafah as “disastrous”. “Many people who haven’t voted at all want to participate in the election because of the ANC’s support of Palestine. People have seen that the ANC has taken practical action to support the Palestine people.” 

EFF poaches

The EFF shocked many in December last year when it won its first ward in the Western Cape. This made the EFF the fourth-largest party in the Saldanha Bay Council. The party won 4% in the province in 2019. Read more in Daily Maverick: EFF beats ANC for major upset in Saldanha Bay, but ruling party wins big in KZN, North West The EFF has struggled to attract support in traditionally coloured areas and to try change this it poached the former leader of the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI), Virgill Gericke.  Gericke was the founder of the PBI, which took part in municipal elections for the first time in 2011. He was a councillor in the George Municipality before he resigned to join the EFF. The PBI holds eight council seats across the province: five in the George Municipal Council, two in the Garden Route District Municipality and one in the Knysna Council. Knysna’s deputy mayor is from the PBI, despite the party having only one seat in the council. Daily Maverick has been reliably informed that PBI will take directives from the EFF Western Cape. The party has also been flirting with the taxi industry, and party leader Julius Malema met with its leaders this month when he visited the Western Cape. 

Good is good

Good party MP Brett Herron said the party had done more campaigning than in the previous elections and it was more prepared. In 2019, it obtained 3% of the provincial vote, securing one seat in the legislature. In 2023, the party dismissed senior leader Shaun August, who has since returned to the DA, and this year it dismissed former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers following allegations of sexual misconduct.  “The response around how quickly we acted on allegations of sexual harassment internally was well received by many people, who observed many political parties that allow alleged sexual predators to continue to operate in their structures.”  The party is targeting growth in the West Coast, Overberg and the Winelands. Good’s leader, Patricia de Lille, has been serving in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet and Herron argues that this has not affected the party. “De Lille serves the people of South Africa, not the ANC. We have no agreement with the ANC and we regard them as a competitor in the elections.”

Rise to rise 

Rise Mzansi Western Cape convener Axolile Notywala is confident that the party will win a few seats in the Western Cape legislature as communities had given them a good reception. Notywala is known by most communities in Cape Town for his role in fighting for service delivery while he was with the Social Justice Coalition. “We have targeted a diverse range of people; hence we are getting attacks from all political parties,” he said. “We are building a party that can reach all races and try to break the divide in terms of class dynamics. We are aiming for a minimum of two seats in the province.” 

ACDP looks to coalition

The African Christian Democratic Party’s (ACDP) Western Cape leader, Ferlon Christians, said that while the party was not happy with the DA’s governance of the province, it would vote with the DA to run the province again if the chance were to present itself. The ACDP took 2.6% of the vote in Western Cape 2019. “We are working hard to get the DA under 50% so that they can need us to govern. With our policies we can improve this province and our analysis shows that the DA will govern with our support,” he said.  DM Additional reporting by Suné Payne.

More on the elections

 
Velani Ludidi
By Velani Ludidi
27 May 2024
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For the first time since taking control of the Western Cape 15 years ago, the DA faces a significant threat to its majority. The dynamics echo the national challenge faced by the ANC. While the ANC needs to lose eight percentage points to lose its majority nationally, the DA only needs to lose six percentage points to jeopardise its hold on the province.

The Western Cape has always presented a unique political landscape compared to national trends. Unlike other provinces where the ANC has traditionally dominated, the Western Cape saw no party achieving an outright majority until 2009 when the DA secured 51.46% of the vote. The party increased its support to 59.38% in 2014, its best result to date, but saw a decline to 55.45% in 2019.

The decline was attributed to DA voters moving to the Freedom Front Plus after losing trust in then-leader Mmusi Maimane, while others switched to the newly formed Good Party, the EFF and Al Jama-ah. There was also a slight drop in voter turnout in the province, as was the case in the rest of the country. 

In the 2021 local government elections, the DA’s overall support dropped to 54.26%, down from 63.33% in 2016. Although local government election results do not perfectly predict general election outcomes, they do reflect electoral trends, suggesting potential challenges for the DA in the upcoming elections.

An Ipsos poll from October 2023 put the DA’s support in the upcoming elections at only 44% and suggested there was a possibility of a coalition government in the province.

Another poll by the Social Research Foundation in March 2024 put the DA at 53%, but the tentative conclusion found: “The data suggests that the DA is holding its majority on the national ballot paper, even as its majority on the provincial ballot paper comes under pressure and is now within the margin of error. What that means is that it is plausible for the election to deliver a coalition government in the Western Cape.”

Read more in Daily Maverick: 2024 elections

While the DA boasts about clean and corruption-free governance, this has not stopped parties from challenging them on the state of impoverished areas, the persistence of apartheid spatial planning, and the party’s foreign policies. These issues continue to fuel debates and could have an impact on voter sentiment as South Africans prepare to go to the polls on 29 May.

DA Western Cape

Western Cape voters


According to Electoral Commission of South Africa registration statistics, 3,310,798 people have registered to vote in the Western Cape, with Cape Town accounting for the majority, just more than 2 million, followed by Drakenstein with 137,000 voters and then George and Stellenbosch with just more than 100,000 registered voters each. 

Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain have the biggest voting districts. These are areas that feel neglected by the provincial government and are targeted by opposition parties in the upcoming elections. 

The ANC stands to benefit from its support of coloured Muslims who are unhappy with the DA’s stance on the Israel-Palestine war but are not happy with the ANC’s governance nationally. 

The ANC has been working to improve its performance in the province, and there have been efforts to address internal party issues and improve voter engagement.

Parties like Patricia de Lille’s Good Party, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi, the National Coloured Congress, Marius Fansman’s People’s Movement for Change, which has former Cape Town mayor Dan Plato on its books, stand to benefit from the voters who are unhappy with both the ANC and DA. 

New challengers 


Dr Sithembile Mbete, a lecturer in the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria, said the DA had also struggled in recent by-elections, which saw Gayton McKenzie’s Patriotic Alliance (PA) taking wards from both the ANC and DA. 

“We are so used to framing all of our politics as ANC vs the DA … but we saw already in 2019 the kind of impact new parties that are appealing to the coloured vote can have.” 

Mbete said voter turnout would play an important role. As was seen in the 2016 municipal elections, a high voter turnout produced a blow for the incumbent ANC in Gauteng metros. With the presence of new parties such as Rise Mzansi and the PA gaining momentum, this could spell disaster for the DA. 

PA McKenzie Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie at the party's Victory Rally held at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on 10 May 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)



“The DA will be challenged or constrained in the turnout,” she said.

“If the people who stayed away in 2019 but are on the voters’ roll decide to show up this year, I think those people are going to show up not to vote for the DA but rather the new alternatives. That is where parties like PA and Rise Mzansi could really benefit.

“The second challenge for the DA is the issue of Palestine. The ANC, Al Jama-ah, and possibly Good Party could benefit from that. To some degree Rise Mzansi.” 

Mbete also argued that the people who are not happy with service delivery especially in Cape Town, usually do not vote, but whoever inspires them to vote this time around will make a big dent in the DA’s hold on the Western Cape. 

“That is where the threat of a party like Rise Mzansi comes in and that is why the DA calls them mercenaries. I think the DA will drop some votes, but it will not be [so] significant that the DA won’t be able to govern the Western Cape.”

Professor Amanda Gouws from the Department of Political Science at Stellenbosch University said the ANC, Al Jama-ah and other smaller parties stood to benefit from these elections.

“The DA will lose support and some of the smaller parties will gain, such as Rise Mzansi and the Patriotic Alliance. Gayton McKenzie is making inroads. So it is possible that the DA will go below 50%. Then they will draw on the support of the Multi-Party Charter.”

DA putting up a fight


DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmers said the party was on course to amass sufficient votes to get an outright majority in the upcoming elections and surpass the 2019 results by achieving a 60% electoral victory. 

“What our figures are telling us is that something massive is going to happen in the Western Cape,” he told Daily Maverick.

“Our party will reap the harvest in many areas where the DA difference was felt and seen. Where we are currently in opposition, like the Central Karoo, we have seen the need of the DA and people want that clean governance.” 

Simmers said that in the last 18 months of campaigning the DA had surpassed its own expectations by registering 20,000 more people. Of the threat presented by parties such as the PA, Simmers said the PA had been busing people around to make it look like they had a lot of support and using food parcels to attract more voters. 

“The communities vote for them and after by-elections the PA leaders disappear,” he said.

“If you look at places like Knysna where the PA is in a coalition with the ANC and EFF, service delivery has declined. They are destroying Knysana, Theewaterskloof, and more and more people are seeing beyond the rhetoric. The DA is the party to vote for if people want service delivery.” 

ANC stronger


The ANC believes that it is going to perform much better than it has done in the previous two elections in the Western Cape owing to its level of canvassing. In 2019, the party won 28.63% of the provincial vote.

“I know there’s been a bit of a talk about canvassing targets; we have set our targets very high,” ANC Western Cape spokesperson Khalid Sayed said. 

“We’ve been picking up a lot of positive sentiment towards the ANC compared to before. Also, the 15 years of DA failure has begun to lead many people to see us as an alternative government in the province.” 

The party could get a boost in support owing to its pro-Palestine stance and the government’s success in the case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which could draw more Muslim voters to the party. 

On Friday, 24 May 2024, the ICJ ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, referring to the humanitarian situation in Rafah as “disastrous”.

“Many people who haven’t voted at all want to participate in the election because of the ANC’s support of Palestine. People have seen that the ANC has taken practical action to support the Palestine people.” 

EFF poaches


The EFF shocked many in December last year when it won its first ward in the Western Cape. This made the EFF the fourth-largest party in the Saldanha Bay Council. The party won 4% in the province in 2019.

Read more in Daily Maverick: EFF beats ANC for major upset in Saldanha Bay, but ruling party wins big in KZN, North West

The EFF has struggled to attract support in traditionally coloured areas and to try change this it poached the former leader of the Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI), Virgill Gericke. 

Gericke was the founder of the PBI, which took part in municipal elections for the first time in 2011. He was a councillor in the George Municipality before he resigned to join the EFF.



The PBI holds eight council seats across the province: five in the George Municipal Council, two in the Garden Route District Municipality and one in the Knysna Council.

Knysna’s deputy mayor is from the PBI, despite the party having only one seat in the council.

Daily Maverick has been reliably informed that PBI will take directives from the EFF Western Cape. The party has also been flirting with the taxi industry, and party leader Julius Malema met with its leaders this month when he visited the Western Cape. 

Good is good


Good party MP Brett Herron said the party had done more campaigning than in the previous elections and it was more prepared. In 2019, it obtained 3% of the provincial vote, securing one seat in the legislature.

In 2023, the party dismissed senior leader Shaun August, who has since returned to the DA, and this year it dismissed former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers following allegations of sexual misconduct. 

“The response around how quickly we acted on allegations of sexual harassment internally was well received by many people, who observed many political parties that allow alleged sexual predators to continue to operate in their structures.” 

The party is targeting growth in the West Coast, Overberg and the Winelands.

Good’s leader, Patricia de Lille, has been serving in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet and Herron argues that this has not affected the party.

“De Lille serves the people of South Africa, not the ANC. We have no agreement with the ANC and we regard them as a competitor in the elections.”

Rise to rise 


Rise Mzansi Western Cape convener Axolile Notywala is confident that the party will win a few seats in the Western Cape legislature as communities had given them a good reception.

Notywala is known by most communities in Cape Town for his role in fighting for service delivery while he was with the Social Justice Coalition.

“We have targeted a diverse range of people; hence we are getting attacks from all political parties,” he said.

“We are building a party that can reach all races and try to break the divide in terms of class dynamics. We are aiming for a minimum of two seats in the province.” 

ACDP looks to coalition


The African Christian Democratic Party’s (ACDP) Western Cape leader, Ferlon Christians, said that while the party was not happy with the DA’s governance of the province, it would vote with the DA to run the province again if the chance were to present itself.

The ACDP took 2.6% of the vote in Western Cape 2019.

“We are working hard to get the DA under 50% so that they can need us to govern. With our policies we can improve this province and our analysis shows that the DA will govern with our support,” he said.  DM

Additional reporting by Suné Payne.

More on the elections




 

Comments

Fernando Moreira May 27, 2024, 11:03 AM

God help the Western Cape if the DA loses its majority. It will clearly indicate that voters view popularity ahead of delivery !?? The Auditor General reports would be meaningless as a guide ! Lets hope common sense prevails and the DA has a good showing in the whole of South Africa !

Steve Davidson May 27, 2024, 01:12 PM

Well said - let's hold thumbs very tightly!!

District Six May 27, 2024, 03:12 PM

I'm really genuinely interested why you think, "It will clearly indicate that voters view popularity ahead of delivery !?" We'll all know by the end of the weekend. :) I'd just point out that maybe the reason would be voters just don't think the DA is that great? That's the more obvious conclusion, instead of hiding the awkward truth. But again, it's rather churlish this DA thing of "it's all the voters fault!" Here's a thought, crazy as it may be to you. Maybe,... (hear me out) ... it IS the DA's fault. Ever think of that? I love how you guys all throw shade on the very voters you need to stay in power. And if that's what you say about voters on the pages of the media, imagine behind closed doors! It's not cool to bash the voters you need to stay in power. Is it that hard to grasp?

Fernando Moreira May 27, 2024, 03:56 PM

I think the DA can be hold to account. I vote DA but I am not a member , no party owns my vote , i vote who i think will have a better chance at making South Africa better , the majority of voters have chosen the ANC the last 5 voting periods , it hasnt really worked out for the better .??!! The Rand was around 3 to the dollar in 1994 it is now around 19 ....that says it all !

ronaldbaatj May 28, 2024, 08:26 AM

Ever heard of currency manipulation?All fake,just like " democracy".

Geoff Coles May 28, 2024, 09:08 AM

Dear me Ron!

Johann Olivier May 29, 2024, 12:34 AM

'Dear me', indeed. What is NOT fake, Mr. Baatjes? I can, however, see some merit in your comments. They are not totally without merit.

Fanie Rajesh Ngabiso May 27, 2024, 06:53 PM

It is clear from your comment that you have neither interest nor understanding of what the DA is achieving. And further that you have zero comprehension of how hard it is to be law abiding and achieve a single positive outcome under our criminally motivated government. That all being said, if you feel the need to to write comments, it would be much more useful if you made them at least meaningful by detailing specifics of where the DA is not way better than any other party out there at service delivery and real tangible manifestos to deliver a non-racial law abiding society for all our people.

Noelsoyizwap May 28, 2024, 04:00 PM

I'll tell you exactly where the DA performes dismally, that is in the black residential areas of the Western Cape. DA also has nothing good to say about the plight of Palestinians. Do, DA racism goes beyond our borders.

D'Esprit Dan May 27, 2024, 08:32 PM

"I love how you guys all throw shade on the very voters you need to stay in power. And if that’s what you say about voters on the pages of the media, imagine behind closed doors! It’s not cool to bash the voters you need to stay in power. Is it that hard to grasp?" Yes. Yes it is. I've been saying this on here for years, but the DA base here simply ignores it and thinks they're somehow superior. This will be my first election voting for another party, largely because of the mindless attitude of the DA base.

Fanie Rajesh Ngabiso May 27, 2024, 10:30 PM

Sometimes the truth hurts - but in no way does it make it wrong. You vote for the smooth talkers Dan - I'll stick with the honest do-ers.

Geoff Coles May 28, 2024, 09:11 AM

This article is about the Provincial Elections primarily. What is your issue.

Noelsoyizwap May 28, 2024, 04:11 PM

It would seem that you and me have been saying the same thing. The core of DA followers is hurling insults to those that vote differently. They don't seem to understand that for a party to attract more votes, it must create a good ground that causes people to get attracted. One thing that DA need to work of is political education of its followers. You cannot call people that don't vote the same party as you, gormless.

virginia crawford May 29, 2024, 06:40 AM

Totally agree.

bigbad jon May 27, 2024, 08:49 PM

People in the WC please try to see the bigger picture! Yes, there can be local issues with service delivery and crime, but remember the role the ANC is playing in driving the 'economic refugees' from other provinces and the lethargic SAPS getting orders from national govt. At the very least help get rid of the ANC in the national vote. If the DA lose the WC I will cancel my plans to move there. At least this EC 'refugee' was going to buy one of their overpriced houses and not squat on the flood planes around Cape Town..?

Andre Fourie May 28, 2024, 06:22 AM

One of the big problems with the DA losing ground to the likes of gangster Gayton's PA is that his party is not modelled on service delivery excellence, integrity or hard work a la DA, but rather on the destructive resource extraction model built by the ANC and perfected under Zuma's ruinous Gupta reign. Show me one place in South Africa where the PA has made an improvement to local communities beyond superficial donations and free handouts. Name me a municipality that is in better financial state because Gayton took over its running. There is none. It's an exciting time for our politics as new parties try to make their stamp. But let's be honest: running a town or city or district is far harder than running an election campaign filled with empty promises. Look at the evidence of where political parties come through for their communities in ongoing service delivery, and choose a party with a track record of delivery. All the rest are empty promises or thinly veiled attempts at elbowing out the ANC for a turn at the feeding trough.

J vN May 28, 2024, 08:21 AM

Quite sad for the coloured community that many of them are pinning their hopes on a convicted criminal, jailbird and skollie, Gayton McKenzie, who's proven since his release that he's still dishonest and untrustworthy. Is this seriously the best "leader" they're capable of producing?

Andre Fourie May 28, 2024, 09:13 AM

You only need to look at Ladismith in the Western Cape where a convicted child rapist was reelected as mayor despite a near-total inability to provide services, keep water clean, manage municipal finances. As a result, the local community that elected him are sitting with dangerously unsafe water, the Hawks have raided the municipal finance offices, ICOSA has suspended Donson and his son for gross misconduct, and the municipality as a whole is worse off than before this miscreant was reelected. And yet he was. Seemingly because of the same identity politics that typifies McKenzie and his PA crowd.

Geoff Coles May 28, 2024, 09:14 AM

I wonder how Gayton makes his money... is he a real businessman.....he's the major donator to his PA. His PA track record in politics service delivery is nil

Noelsoyizwap May 28, 2024, 04:48 PM

Exactly my point, if the DA is doing so great in the delivery of services and it is trustworthy, how can you even think of it losing support to "the corrupt, criminally convicted MacKenzie's PA that models the corrupt ANC. Something is wrong in your statement. You need to rephrase.

Grenville Wilson May 28, 2024, 07:36 AM

Well said and I agree!

Glyn Morgan May 28, 2024, 09:11 AM

The reason people in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain are disgruntled is that they have never seen the conditions in areas outside the Western Cape.

Grenville Wilson May 28, 2024, 10:02 AM

Don't forget there is a huge populist vote in the Western Cape that don't think they are getting the service delivery they deserve!

Peter Oosthuizen May 28, 2024, 01:21 PM

Send them to Knysna to see how the ANC/PA/EFF have ruined a beautiful town. Municipal jobs for sale, untreated sewage, a massive infrastructural crisis, cozy arrangements with landlords, a disqualified municipal manager who refuses to vacate his office despite the courts are indicators of what will happen elsewhere with the corrupt coalition.

Edw May 29, 2024, 02:21 PM

Very wise reflection by District Six. DA, why are you bashing the voters? Why is the DA not focusing on the voters needs? DA party leaders must go listen to voters in Khayelitsha and Mitchelsplein. Cleaning CT city centre, GreenPoint and Sea Point will not win election. It just make us tourists very happy. Get it DA!

Graeme May 27, 2024, 03:29 PM

Fernando: you took the words right out of my mouth.

walth May 28, 2024, 08:50 AM

Spot on Andre, radicals must not be allowed to stand in the way of good change, yes there are issues with the DA but all stand to benefit if the the good spreads through out the country, stability is the only way forward...but can the DA be trusted to deliver? Yes with the help of level headed thinking smaller party's who also stand for rebuilding SA. It's not going to be easy but we all want the same outcome. Prosperity for All.

Graeme May 27, 2024, 03:29 PM

Fernando: you took the words right out of my mouth.

megapode May 27, 2024, 04:41 PM

Well popularity always wins. It depends on what people's priorities are and how they see a party aligning with those priorities. The DA have challenges on multiple fronts. They are seen as pro-Israel. There have been service delivery issues in the poorer areas. Some voters will see them as being a bit too woke, a bit too non-Christian. There are the disenchanted voters whose lot has not been improved by democracy. If they can be persuaded to vote then they are unlikely to vote for the establishment (which, in the WC, is the DA). In the end, yes, an election is a popularity contest. Who do you like best (or dislike the least)?

Geoff Coles May 28, 2024, 09:16 AM

The article is about Provincial Government not National

megapode May 28, 2024, 10:50 AM

I did mention provincial issues, but I think these dynamics will play out at both levels.

robby 77 May 27, 2024, 12:20 PM

Yeah I doubt it.

Steve Davidson May 27, 2024, 01:11 PM

“If you look at places like Knysna where the PA is in a coalition with the ANC and EFF, service delivery has declined. They are destroying Knysana, Theewaterskloof, and more and more people are seeing beyond the rhetoric. The DA is the party to vote for if people want service delivery.” Which sums the whole thing up completely. Well said Tertius. And if some of the voters in the WC are fooled by McKenzie's bullshit, don't come back and whinge if you lose the DA's incredible management against huge ANC odds from the Eastern Cape's useless and corrupt management that has led to a mass migration of economic refugees down here. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!!!!!!

Lyle Ferrett May 27, 2024, 01:27 PM

I deeply cherish South Africa and have remained patient for years, hoping for things to improve. However, if the DA loses its majority in the Western Cape and the ANC forms a coalition with the MK/EFF (and NHI steamrolls ahead etc. etc.), I will definitely be preparing to move to Australia. As a young and upcoming professional, I want assurance that I will be able to retire comfortably in the country where I've built my career. Unfortunately, South Africa's increasing uncertainty doesn't meet this critical requirement. It's easier for me to envision it being worse off in 30 years rather than improving.

John Kuhl May 27, 2024, 02:44 PM

agreed...it will be worse. Look at the rest of the Continent. Its a given in my mind. If you can make it in Aus....do it.....if not you can come back....at least you would have tried. The greatest majority that went over ...are ""happy" and very successful..They need the professionals there and respect them.

Paddy Ross May 27, 2024, 05:32 PM

Read Martin Meyrick's "The State of Africa" which tells how the African nations have fared since gaining independence.

Is there hope South Africa? May 27, 2024, 04:18 PM

If you are young & have a chance to go, then you need to do that. There are far too many unemployed youth who have little prospect of a job - anywhere in South Africa. You also have to think beyond yourself- what are the prospects for growth & improvement in roads, service delivery, health care & most importantly education. The answer is thar for most in SA, there is poverty, no power no jobs, & very little hope. They live on grants, otherwise they would go hungry. So ask yourself if this is where you want to live and bring up a future family you may have. Rather go while you can, that's my advice.

Freda Brodie May 27, 2024, 06:17 PM

Moving to Australia or anywhere for that matter is never an easy decision, but if you must, then do it. My son emigrated to Canada in 2019, bought a beautiful house in Calgary, yes I know the winters are awful, but beautiful as well. The downside to this is that I haven’t seen them since 2022, my grandchildren are growing up too fast. So for me it’s heartbreaking, but my son & family is very happy. I can’t get it around my head that smaller parties are gunning for the DA, as it works and governs well, ulterior motives I think. Wait until after the election, the toughest one since 1994. We voted for the DA today, on all 3 ballots, proudly so… I am in Kzn, can’t stand the thought of another riot in Kzn. Vote for change my fellow citizens !

D'Esprit Dan May 27, 2024, 08:42 PM

I've lived and worked on four continents in over 30 countries. Each country had something appealing and those were often more appealing than here, at that level. But none of those countries offered the complete lifestyle I have here, all the issues considered. There'll be howls of outrage at this opinion, but I don't care: this country has given me a life I couldn't hope to replicate anywhere else, but then, I've also made an effort to find the beauty and the positives, whilst being acutely aware of the shit the ANC dishes up on a daily basis.

virginia crawford May 29, 2024, 06:42 AM

Very true.

ttshililo2 May 28, 2024, 08:18 AM

You have remained patient with a democratic dispensation- how lucky are you. The majority remained 'patient' with a system of organised dehumanisation for centuries! I visited Greece and Argentina not too long ago: in the former a bakery owner asked how we black people can live with white South Africa- he told me in his experience they are discourteous and arrogant. In the latter country a young waiter asked where I was from, he then said the same thing as the bakery owner- how do ‘we’ live with them as he found whites saffers distinctively discourteous: they clearly knew the horrific history of this country, hence the questions The theme here it seemed to me, is lack of self-awareness- the very thing the DA leadership lacks and you by your comment here. You live in a democratic country where you and others are free to cast your vote as you please, but you have the audacity to castigate the majority for their views? Please do us a favour, stop patronising yourself and the majority in this country- the borders are open, so please spare us.

mfsw May 28, 2024, 09:34 AM

I have travelled extensively overseas for the last 15 years and not once have I ever come across the statements you have mad. In fact a young waitress in a restaurant at the end of Brooklynn bridge was surprised to learn that as whites we came from South Africa. As far as the Greek bakery is concerned I have found that Greeks are discourteous people. Your posting is made up because my experience has been that overseas people firstly dont know where South Africa is on the map and secondly could not care a damn about our politics.

ttshililo2 May 28, 2024, 11:17 AM

"Your posting is made up because my experience has been that overseas people firstly don't know where South Africa is on the map and secondly could not care a damn about our politics" - if this statement was not so tragic because of the anorexia in reasoning, I would laugh. Mike, I wonder if indeed you have left our borders as you have so claimed. Despite your myopic views about our past- it is taught outside of our borders as a considerable amount of it was a crime against humanity. Maybe put that passport to actual use and refrain from embarrassing yourself on a public platform

Hans Wendt May 28, 2024, 12:19 PM

Dude, I beg to differ. Our son works on those super yachts. He is now in Greece but has lived in Spain, France. Every local he has had contact with, loves dealing with young white South Africans. In fact the Med yachting industry is full of South Africans. Rather he has to defend black people because most Greeks, Spainards, French have a prejudice against Africans. And regarding the DA, please take note of the absolute corruption, lack if integrity, selfserving, plundering habits where the ANC and other incompetent parties "govern".

louw.nic May 28, 2024, 04:57 PM

I'll take things that never happened for $500, Alex.

Rama Chandra May 27, 2024, 01:30 PM

Many of the smaller parties, like Rise Mzansi would work perfectly well with the DA, and would in fact add some colour to the party. Mackenzie of the Patriotic Alliance on the other hand is a great and fun speaker, but an absolute thug. So, the big issue is not whether the DA absolute majority is in peril, but whether the majority of DA + near peers is in peril, and that it seems is not.

lindygaye May 27, 2024, 05:22 PM

Agreed

Fanie Rajesh Ngabiso May 27, 2024, 07:28 PM

It is easier to start your own party and get your million odd per year in parliament as a king maker than it is to rise up through the ranks of an existing party such as the DA. This is the only rational (and entirely selfish) reason I can see for these new parties springing up. If they instead did the right thing and through their collective lot in with the DA we could have a single strong opposition and they could influence it in the ways they believe positive over time. But unfortunately as above my view is these new parties are not actually about the people they claim to represent but rather about the incomes they generate for the members.

hlavatican May 27, 2024, 08:08 PM

Starting a party and getting a million votes is not easy... ask those that have been around FF+, IFP, COPE.... New parties see gaps in existing parties and exploit them. These gaps are the ones the existing old parties have arrogantly refused to close.

Fanie Rajesh Ngabiso May 27, 2024, 10:39 PM

I do hope you're right and they fail hard, because while no party is perfect I stand by position that from an opposition perspective DA: 1. is biggest and able to run the country right now 2. is proven to not tolerate corruption 3. is proven to deliver the best services in the country by a mile 4. gets clean audits 5. is the most multiracial party in the country 6. has a manifesto that is well thought through and equitable for all And every honest person should be voting for them. It makes zero sense not to. Likewise it must be overtly obvious to these people starting up their new parties that their energies would be best spent supporting and refining an opposition that can actually hold the government to account. We don't need new parties fragmenting the vote and bickering - we need a single strong opposition which will hold our criminal government members to account.

Stephen Mcbride May 29, 2024, 08:05 PM

DA has clean audits but it services well to do areas more than poor areas. I see streets in well to do areas in ok condition being repaved. 3 metre potholes in cross roads and multiple in delft. Sweepers vs dirtpiles for months. Maybe i only see what i want to see but i live in a well to do area but work in poor area and give lifts to even poorer areas. Take a ride down govan mbeki. See where roadworks have been done.

Fanie Rajesh Ngabiso May 27, 2024, 07:32 PM

"threw"

Geoff Coles May 28, 2024, 09:21 AM

True enough. The article is about Provincial Government and clearly its interaction with Local..... not National. Track Record matters!

abrietraut May 27, 2024, 01:37 PM

If someone votes about what's going on somewhere else in the world they should move there... Or risk living under very similar conditions in this country. Vote smart and not on knee jerk thoughts.

R S May 27, 2024, 01:51 PM

Surprisingly I am not concerned if the DA loses support to one of its MPC partners. It's the likes of the PA who have shown they care about only money and power and who will give it to them that have me concerned. It's also scary when you point this out to PA supporters they ignore you or saying you're lying, even thought it's 100% true.

District Six May 27, 2024, 02:52 PM

How's this partnership work then? Steenhuizen disses the MPC "partners" every chance he speaks, even calling them "traitors". MPC Partners must have thicker skin than the DA. How long can a civil union of convenience last with the name-calling? I'd be very worried to lose votes to someone I just called a traitor!

megapode May 27, 2024, 04:43 PM

And vice versa. Mashaba in particular never misses a chance to take a shot at the DA. It's almost like everybody is setting themselves up with an excuse for breaking the pact.

Stefan Ferreira May 27, 2024, 03:39 PM

It really isn't that difficult to stand with the UN and the ICJ on the matter of Israel and Palestine. At this point if anyone is defending specifically what Israel is doing in Gaza to the civilian population you are on the wrong side of human rights and just basic humanity. The DA was loud in their support for Ukraine, yet quiet when it comes to Israel and the war crimes and genocide committed there. This will definitely hurt them in the coming election. I don't really see a way around that fact. That said, the mayor of Cape Town gives me hope for the DA. He is really putting in the work and making changes. I believe the older generation moving out should fix some of the terrible moves the DA makes. They will have my vote mainly due to Geordin Hill-Lewis and the service delivery, but they have some serious internal talks about how they handle themselves.

virginia crawford May 29, 2024, 06:44 AM

Comments in Johannesburg that things were better under apartheid by the DA candidate are also very off-putting.

JAMES GOODWIN May 30, 2024, 09:15 AM

Agreed 110%. The DA are great at bringing up young talent and turning out some class act politicians. Geordin Hill Lewis, Chris Pappas and Siviwe Gwarube are examples of the party's future but it needs to let go of the past and shed the skin of Zille. I personally admire Helen Zille's intellect, experience and no doubt she made a real impact as Mayor of CT and leader of the DA but the time for fresh blood is needed. John Steenhuisen has never had the gravitas or charisma to truly compete with Mmusi Maimane, Zille or Tony Leon. Time for some fresh air..

louw.nic May 27, 2024, 04:01 PM

People vote for the DA (while pinching their noses) because the alternatives are much, much worse. The speed at which the ANC and its small party mates will destroy the Western Cape and Cape Town - in a frenzy of looting, theft, "empowerment", "equity" and cronyism - will be astonish even the jaded few who remain.

Johan Buys May 27, 2024, 04:43 PM

One hopes that if people in WCape that do want to send the DA a message about alliances with whatever other parties are roughly similar in policy, that they contain that smoke signal to the second national vote. For heaven’s sake please don’t risk the provincial majority!!!

David Mitchley May 27, 2024, 05:02 PM

It still amazes me how the DM exposes ANC corruption on a daily basis, yet still your opinion pieces extoll the virtues of the corrupt ANC over the only party that has consistently shown that it holds its elected official accountable for their actions. The DA is not perfect, no human is perfect so to expect perfection from a political party is a pipe dream. The people in Khayelitsha and Mitchell's Plain feel ignored by the DA led Western Cape government, but in reality who is to blame for the rampant crime? Simple answer - it is the ANC led national government who have control over SAPS, so in fact it is not the DA led Western Cape government who has let these people down, but the ANC, just like they had let the rest of South Africa down - destroyed by their corruption.

Matthew Quinton May 27, 2024, 05:18 PM

Journo's and media in general are doing a global shift to the extreme left... So if the ANC in SA or the Democrats in the US completely f&ck things up, there is always a really good reason and an attitude of "give them another chance, ag shame" but if a party does an amazing job and it has even the slightest whiff of white male, then heaven help them!! The DA is factually doing a good job. I have not seen a single article in DM where this is admitted clearly or honestly... weird really? DM seems happy to even given Gayton McKenzie the nod, even though he is clearly a criminal and another piggy at the feeding trough. Good party? What a joke. Patricia did a truly horrendous job as the mayor of Cape Town and has been a complete mess once again in her current role... Then again, we seem to live in a country of fools where principles, religion, outfits, dancing ability, tribal affiliation chicken meals and promises are more important than actual good governance and progress. We will get we we deserve on average. Unfortunately. I expect another brain drain after this election. Those of us who are educated and have the option are getting the hell outta here. The view remains nice and the meat may be cheap, but the sheer levels of self destructive dumb f&ckery eventually make the case for leaving the fools to their deserved fate.

timgrosstx May 28, 2024, 01:14 PM

I have dual South African-US citizenship. If you think mainstream Democrats and the ANC are anything alike, you are sorely mistaken. African Americans, by and large, are moderate and more likely to vote Democrat than Republican, which is why they put Joe Biden - who is Catholic and unabashedly pro-Israel - in the White House. Biden had my vote then and he has it again. Both the ANC and the Republicans Party are at the beck and call murderous Putin.

Andre Fourie May 28, 2024, 02:20 PM

Not sure where you get the sense that the DM is "giving Gayton McKenzie the nod". It's simply a news analysis that draws on polls and broad public opinion to paint a pre-election picture of the various political role-players in the Western Cape and their chances at either growing their support (ANC), unseating the incumbent (PA, ANC, Good, etc.) or retaining a majority (DA). Historically, the media has overwhelmingly been more liberal than conservative. That's education for you! The more you are exposed to people and ideas and cultures other than your own, the more likely you are to be accommodating toward those cultures. To be a modern conservative - a la the Trumpists - you seemingly have to ignore decades of social progress in favour of striving for some imagined, idealised past. And lots and lots of regressive racism, xenophobia, fear-mongering and conspiracy. There's nothing wrong with having a white male as the head of a company or political party. But in a country like ours where fewer than one in ten people are white, where that same white minority ruled over and violently repressed the black majority for decades, the optics hurt your chances at broad appeal. And broad appeal is what wins elections. There's no doubt the DA is the best party for governance. But god their supporters are thin-skinned!

Johann Olivier May 29, 2024, 12:46 AM

FYI: to be 100% clear, the Dems in the US have been magnificently successful & essentially honest (by political standards). To place them in a sentence alongside the ANC shows a complete lack of knowledge of the facts. Less FB & more research.

troyelanmarshall May 27, 2024, 05:34 PM

Back in 2015 I was convinced the DA was heading in the right direction. For years the ANC had charged that the DA was a party for white people - the appointment of Mmusi Maimane was the perfect riposte. The DA now had a black leader and a proven record at service delivery. All they needed to do was hold their nerve. Some votes would be lost (the verkrampte), but a future beckoned where moderates sick of ANC corruption would see in the DA an attractive and non-racial alternative. What happened? Mmusi Maimane, Phumzile van Damme, Herman Mashaba, Patricia Kopane, Makashule Gana, Khume Ramulifho and Mbali Ntuli. That's an impressive list of talent that has left the DA. There have been charges that the DA leadership is right wing; charges that they are not interested in canvassing in places like Soweto, Lenasia and Eldorado Park. On these sites we see racially charged comments from DA supporters. Is this a political party attractive to black moderates? Those votes going to Build One South Africa, Action SA and Rise Mzansi; these are votes that the DA could have had; votes they would have had if they stayed on the road they were travelling on back in 2015.

Anil Maharaj May 27, 2024, 06:28 PM

People are entitled to air their political views, whether you approve or not. Racism is a subjective matter. People will not shut up because of your, or anyone else's, sensitivities. A political party cannot be allowed things to all people.

Is there hope South Africa? May 28, 2024, 09:01 AM

You are absolutely right. The DA has lost many votes because of this. You cannot have a leader like John Steenhuizen - he is the wrong image for the party & may even cost them the WC. I have heard over & over that the DA is a white party. They need to find a more representative leader. This is going to be a costly mistake because the face of the DA on all the ballots is John's.

Rodney Weidemann May 28, 2024, 10:15 AM

I could not agree more, as 90% of politics are perception, and even I - as a middle aged pale male (pretty much the DA's most obvious target market) - can see that they wouldn't appeal to the majority with the current top leadership in the party (oh, and you also failed to mention Lindiwe Mazibuko among the talented black leaders they lost) . I won't lie, the one-eyed, racially bigoted-sounding comments from DA supporters here only make it worse. DM journalists write some clearly objective, well-balanced political pieces that are immediately deemed to be 'extolling the virtues of the ANC' or 'picking on the DA', simply because they adopt a balanced approach to their reporting. The DA lost me as a voter in 2019 (the whole Maimane thing) and everything they - or their supporters on DM - have said since has only driven me further away from marking my X next to their name on Wednesday. I'm guessing my vote will go to one of the 'mercenary' parties that actually appear to have strong manifestos, a new approach to politics, and strong and charismatic leaders who appeal to the majority of the electorate...

virginia crawford May 29, 2024, 06:46 AM

Me too.

timgrosstx May 28, 2024, 01:18 PM

As someone who has consistently voted DA, I'll be the first to admit their messaging sucks and comes across as condescending towards Black people. If you want to win elections, you need the Black vote. Only Chris Pappas has got it right.

virginia crawford May 29, 2024, 06:47 AM

Condescending to everyone who doesn't wholeheartedly agree with them.

Edw May 29, 2024, 02:58 PM

Troy Marshall, you said it all. DA has a self sabotage culture. There is no short cut in politics. If they kept Mmusi, they will be smiling all the way to the union building in 2024, but they got sick when racist voters left for FF+

haliem.vo May 27, 2024, 09:36 PM

I am disappointed in the service delivery from the Democratic Alliance (DA) despite having voted for them in the last election. The issue lies in where they claim to be performing well. For instance, in areas like Claremont, there are pedestrian crossings everywhere, demonstrating some positive progress. However, disparities are evident when you compare this to areas like Lansdowne and Mitchell's Plain, where such crossings are scarce. Furthermore, while the DA made improvements to a park in Muizenberg, the equipment they removed was relocated to my area. This raises questions about their allocation of resources and whether all communities are receiving fair treatment. On the housing front, the DA fulfills their promise, but their methods are deeply flawed. By targeting certain colored communities and building housing complexes in the midst of established suburbs, they inadvertently perpetuate issues like slum development and increase the risk of crime and drug activity. Despite community protests against these actions, the DA seems unwilling to listen and adjust their approach. There is clearly a need for more equitable distribution of resources and a more community-centered approach to development.

Mimigreenlan May 28, 2024, 01:13 AM

The DA unfortunately does not prioritize the marginalized, focusing instead on maintaining classist wealth structures. At best, they are merely tolerant of the 'little people' and their manifesto and policies reflect a persistent racism and prejudice. Their claim that 'everyone is equal' is highly questionable.

L Dennis May 28, 2024, 06:46 AM

Thank you DA for your servant leadership. I will continue being a DA supporter your proven track record speaks for itself. When you are at your best the attacks will increase. I will continue to pray for our beautiful country.

virginia crawford May 29, 2024, 06:49 AM

A proven track record of not being able to increase their share of the national vote. And they blame everyone but their charmless leadership.

Johan Buys May 28, 2024, 08:06 AM

Something that most of us probably need an education on : what is actually in the domain of provinces to control? It seems to me that metro and municipalities control the bulk of basic service delivery. What do Provinces actually do other than have arguments about national legislation approval?

virginia crawford May 29, 2024, 06:49 AM

Not much.

Geoff Coles May 28, 2024, 09:07 AM

I am wondering, just a bit, why Velani asks a Pretoris lecturer for opinions iro W Cape? There are so many small parties, mostly from elsewhere, who have no track record of effective Government, even at local level ; Others are perceived to be one man / woman bands with dubious leaderships. I don't think Velani understands the concept of spatial planning whether in SA or across the world.

Rodney Weidemann May 28, 2024, 10:29 AM

Hi Geoff, two things: I would imagine Velani asked the lecturer in the DEPARTMENT of POLITICAL SCIENCES for comment, because, you know, this is a political article. Just like if it was a financial article, they might've asked a professional accountant from the Western Cape to comment on an article about the JSE: because that's how experts work - they don't actually have to live in the area they're talking about to know their stuff. Also, perhaps those smaller parties are being considered on a track record that doesn't involve getting rid of the vast majority of their talented black leaders over the years, and not extolling the virtues of colonialism to the masses, rather than on their (currently) non-existent governance record?....

Old Man May 28, 2024, 09:13 AM

"The ANC stands to benefit from its support of coloured Muslims who are unhappy with the DA’s stance on the Israel-Palestine war but are not happy with the ANC’s governance nationally. " At the time of the ANC putting the motion to the ICJ on the Israel Palestine situation it was stated by ANC they had a secret weapon for the elections and drilling down this was the stance on Palestine. Was the ICJ stance primarily an election campaign?

timgrosstx May 28, 2024, 09:57 AM

For all it's shortcomings, the DA is the only party in SA with a proven track record of good governance. I know who I'll be voting for tomorrow!

Shamley.Tit May 28, 2024, 11:59 PM

Good Governance for who? and in which areas? The areas where the rich whites and rich blacks are staying. The only thing I can say is that the "DA is Sleg" and doesnt "Deserve to Run the Western Cape let alone the Country" with a majority of us poor people living in squalor.

Martin Engelbrecht May 28, 2024, 07:36 PM

I am enjoying seeing the DA sweat, too much confidence and arrogance for my liking. They need to be kept on their toes, under 50 percent with a coalition party will be a good thing. Pandering to the Muslim vote while supporting txxrrm is unacceptable. 20 years ago it would have been a criminal offense.

jwadams83 May 28, 2024, 09:38 PM

Without reading all the comments, no one in the press seems to be talking about the impact this really has: Investment. DA loses WC, investors will leave the country (WC). No if's or but's, its over for SA. To quote a reasonable size investor in SA : "The only thing holding SA together is the DA, and if they go we go."

hlavatican May 29, 2024, 06:28 AM

People who really have a place to go don't threaten to go. They quietly leave You were there when apartheid was there... Investors were there during that same period... so according to you it was better than now. If that's the case... I have to vote to help you go.

virginia crawford May 29, 2024, 06:51 AM

Good comment.

Shamley.Tit May 28, 2024, 11:53 PM

Dear fellow white South Africans. The Morning you wake up in a shack that has been cold and wet and you have no Job or income opportunity to go to and earn a living wage, and does not have to live from handouts, maybe then you will understand. That will be the day when you realize why we as Coloured People have dumped the Democratic Alliance. Returning Funds to Treasury, Here in WC aimed for housing with a backlog of millions and there are so many in need of housing. Then its good enough reason to dump the DA. Lastly. Good Auditor General Reports does not pt a roof over the poors head, it does not pay for 2 slices of bread. So stop your nonsense with comparing you as the Haves, with us the Have Nots. If you all were so Patriotic and so mich love the country why dont you take hands with the poorer communities and assist them out of their poverish situation. instead of coming on here and be keyboard heroes and heroinnes. What makes it worse. the overarching majority of the well off whites in SA woukd rather employ foreign nationals instead of employing our own people. The Few Good ones aside, and yes there are a few Good ones that treat the poorer people with dignity and respect. Ideology and Clean audits does not pay schoolfees, Ideology and Clean audits does not put shoes on our feet, Ideology and Clean audits does not put a roof over our heads, We need to make an honest and dignified living and if there is a Gayton Mackenzie that is standing up for the poor. Yiu being keyboard warriors, heroes and heroinnes is not gonna make any change. If The DA delivered services and provided what they give to the most affluent areas we would still have voted for them. but they disregarded us as the poorer of the poor and this is unfortunately turned to what we will sit with come this saturday. Its a matter of the DA has dug their own grave and now they must deal with it. and if it means anyone wants to emmigrate, they are entitled to do so. but us as patriotic South Africans will remain and we will work towards resolving our immediate isses and needs since the DA was unable to deal with our issues. And Please dont tell us about Gayton's past. we have had horror stories with Steinhoff, Marcs Jooste, KPMG and many others. They might not be gangsters, but theu caused irrepairable harm for years to our not growing economy. Let me leave it there. Salute