It’s the second and final day of the DA Federal Congress of 2023 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. Since 6am, delegates have been voting for the top leadership positions in the province. Voting is now complete and the media has been allowed back inside the plenary hall. Voting was conducted via electronic systems. Incumbent DA leader John Steenhusien received an electric welcome from delegates at the DA conference. The outgoing DA leader John Steenhuisen was about to address delegates on the state of the party. The delegates were seen waving the green tags they’ve been using to vote in favour of constitutional amendments and resolutions. It seems Steenhuisen has strong support from scores of the delegates. Will Mpho Phalatse emerge victorious in this situation?
Steenhuisen starts with “what a time to be involved in the DA”. He says political change in SA is inevitable. “I can feel it in my bones. I can feel it in the political waters, this time it’s different.” Steenhuisen describes the political landscape – which he says are made up of disgruntled, splinter parties. The ANC’s decline is terminal. The question now is: how fast? Steenhuisen says the DA is entering the next elections in this strong position, not by default. It’s worked hard to get here. Four years ago it emerged from first election where it lost ground.
Steenhuisen says the DA will make history by becoming the first official opposition party to being the governing part. Steenhuisen says he can feel it in his heart and bones, that he’ll emerge victorious.
Delegates sang “sekusele kancane, kancane sizophumelela” as John Steenhuisen left the podium after giving the organisational report.