Heed Motlanthe’s warning, vote DA for a better SA

31 July 2016

Note to Editors: The following remark were delivered by the DA Leader at townhall meeting at the Lillian Ngoyi Hall in Nelson Mandela Bay.

People of South Africa,

Democrats,

In three days times, close to 24 million South Africans will have the opportunity to take part in what is most closely contested election in our country’s democratic era. We stand at a point where people are talking about a Democratic Alliance-led government here in Nelson Mandela Bay. People are also talking about DA-led governments in Tshwane and Johannesburg, where we held a successful rally in my hometown of Dobsonville yesterday.

What is clear is that the DA, a movement for change, is reaching more and more South Africans who are longing for a better South Africa that creates jobs, delivers better services and eliminates corruption. And the reality is that as much as this excites many of us, it scares those who have been in power for the last twenty two years. It scares them because when they lose here in Nelson Mandela Bay, they will never win it back because we will do what they failed to do, and that is to improve your lives.

It will not happen immediately, but the DA has shown that wherever we govern, things move in the right direction. Things move forward again. More people are able to find work, the streets are cleaner, water will come out of the taps, houses will be built, and you will be proud to say that you live in a municipality that is governed by a party that cares for you and your community.

Some have tried to make this election about race because they cannot talk about delivering services to the people, they can’t talk about stopping corruption and they can’t talk about creating jobs, they have done the opposite of all of this. Our opponents have even tried making this election about apartheid because they do not have policies and plans for building a better South Africa for you and future generations.

The other day, Jacob Zuma was saying that we are confused. But the opposite is true. If you want to know the real state of the ANC, don’t take my word for it - listen to what former President Kgalema Motlanthe, who is also a former Secretary General of the ANC, has to say: He says that "the ANC is racing to the bottom, and it may reach a point where there is nothing left to salvage." He says the ANC has left the country on “autopilot”, and that “there is no leadership”. 

This is true. The ANC has abandoned the people. It governs for itself - for a few well-connected, corrupt people. They take all of the jobs and the opportunities for themselves, and they don’t care about you. That’s why unemployment is growing, that’s why the economy is doing so badly. 

In this election, the DA has presented to you a plan on how we are going to attract investment, grow the economy, and create much needed jobs. We’ve shown you that we do not abuse your money and steal what is meant for the people. We are honest - if we say we will do something, we will. If we can’t do something, we will tell you. 

The DA has told you how it is going to stop corruption, which eats away at thousands of opportunities, but they say we are confused.

While we have been working and building they have been fighting among themselves, talking about the DA and not telling people how they are going to better they lives.

They have become obsessed with the DA, which is moving forward faster than they ever thought it would. For example, I read in the newspaper that the current government is already preparing itself to be in opposition here and other metros across the country.

The DA is the only party that can reignite the dream which Tata Madiba brought South Africa in 1994, and make it a reality.

The ANC has stripped our people of all hope and dignity, therefore it is our duty as the DA to ensure that hope and dignity are restored, and it through this work of building a better South Africa that we will honour the name of Nelson Mandela. It is only right that the municipality named after Tata Madiba is governed by the DA, which actively pursues his vision and values.

On 3 August we have the opportunity to usher in a new era for Nelson Mandela Bay and South Africa. Victory is close, but victory only comes with the help of your vote.

Vote for a better South Africa.

Vote for change.

Vote DA!

I thank you.

Issued by the DA, 31 July 2016