ACDP is part of the multi-party government of the City of Johannesburg - along with Tshwane and Nelson Mandel Bay Metro- DA must stop claiming these as their victory alone

23 August 2016

The ACDP is pleased to have been part of making history yesterday when the multi-party government we are part of took over the governance of the City of Johannesburg after a marathon 12 hour meeting.

"The City of Johannesburg is South Africa's economic hub and for it to now be governed by a multi-party opposition government is a significant victory for democracy in South Africa and for the people of Johannesburg", said JoAnn Downs the ACDP's National Chairperson.

While we are pleased to be part of this important step in South Africa's developing democracy, we want to caution partner parties, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in particular, from claiming the victory as theirs alone. The fact is that no individual party won these elections and it required bold negotiations and the signing of a formal agreement before the multi-party government could be formed. The 5 party government in Johannesburg comprises the DA, ACDP,UDM, FF+ and COPE but we still needed the EFF's vote to clinch the majority.

During this inaugural meeting one ANC councillor collapsed and died. The ACDP extends its condolences and prayers to the family and caucus who have lost a loved one and colleague.

Issued by JoAnn Downs, National Chairperson, ACDP, 23 August 2016