MMSUI MAIMANE: ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE DA GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEADERSHIP RACE

There has been much speculation about whether I will run for the provincial leadership of the Democratic Alliance in Gauteng.  I wish to make it clear that I have decided not to contest the provincial leadership at this time. 

I have been considering the question of whether to run or not for some time.  Gauteng is the next frontier for the DA, and we aim to win it in 2014.  To achieve that will take an enormous effort by the entire province - all of our members, our activists and indeed the people of Gauteng.

This also means we need strong DA caucuses in the metros and municipalities, holding the ANC to account for their failures, and presenting the people of Gauteng with a real alternative.  I am currently the leader of the DA in the Johannesburg Metro caucus, the second largest DA caucus in the country, and I must focus on strengthening that caucus so that it can also play its crucial part in winning the province.  Each of our public representatives should be challenged to diversify the DA's support base and grow the party in their areas.

My role as National Spokesperson of the DA is also vital in delivering the party's message and winning new voters.  I take both of these jobs very seriously, and need to devote myself fully to doing them both well.

I will pledge my full support to whoever is elected at the Provincial Congress, and I look forward to working with them in turning Gauteng for the DA.

Statement issued by Mmusi Maimane, Leader of the DA Caucus Johannesburg and National Spokesperson for the Democratic Alliance, January 27 2012

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