DA Provincial Congress a success

The Democratic Alliance hosted a very successful provincial congress in Kimberley at the Horseshoe Motel over the weekend, at which key leadership positions, including those of provincial leader, provincial chairperson and three vice chairpersons, were contested.

DA national leader, Helen Zille, and Cape Town mayor, Patricia de Lille, each addressed congress goers before voting got underway. De Lille said that people can see the growth of the DA in the province and that finally there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Northern Cape. Zille was also positive about the DA's future. She said the Northern Cape was one of the fastest growing provinces in terms of DA support. She also said successful by-elections had clearly indicated that the ANC can be beaten and that it was too late for the ruling party to try and fix the rot from the inside. She said the only sustainable option now was the DA.

Congress goers were optimistic and leadership positions were secured to lead the DA towards greater success in the coming years. Andrew Louw re-elected as provincial leader while Harold McGluwa was voted in as chairperson. He replaces outgoing chairperson, Allen Grootboom, who will continue to hold the position of provincial spokesperson.  Three deputy chairpersons were also voted in, they are Michael Kaars, Gerda Moolman and Ismail Obaray.

Speaking as re-elected provincial leader, Louw said the DA is an ambitious party. He added that this is not the ambition built on self-interest and narrow obsession with power but rather an ambition based on our prospects of leading government in the Northern Cape and delivering for its people.

"By 2014, the DA will unite in our focus of leading a coalition government in the Northern Cape. By 2016 we are intent on leading governments in three of the five districts, namely Namakwa, Pixley ka Seme and Siyanda. We will also govern in the city of Upington. By 2019, we plan to build on that majority in a year when the DA will form the core of a new national government."

Louw said that as part of the DA's collective responsibility, the party will continue to search for new talent to enhance our objectives for 2014: "Building a new majority".

Statement issued by Dr Allen Grootboom, MPL, DA Northern Cape: Provincial Spokesperson, January 30 2012

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