DA leader Steenhuisen perceives KwaZulu-Natal as being 'wide open' for a coalition victory
Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen is optimistic about the prospects in KwaZulu-Natal, viewing it as an opportunity for his party to lead a coalition following the national and provincial elections on May 29.
Steenhuisen concluded his campaign in KwaZulu-Natal with a series of public engagements and door-to-door visits in key wards within the eThekwini municipality's north and west areas. Accompanied by DA provincial leader Francois Rodgers and premier candidate Chris Pappas, Steenhuisen engaged with residents of Ntuzuma, a ward with a significant party presence, before proceeding to conduct door-to-door outreach in the Reservoir Hills suburb.
He observed that KwaZulu-Natal has become an open contest, particularly with the emergence of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which has garnered support previously aligned with the ANC. This, he believes, paves the way for parties within the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa, including the DA and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), to discuss coalition possibilities post-elections.
Steenhuisen anticipates a coalition government in KwaZulu-Natal, emphasizing the DA's potential to play a significant role within it. He expressed confidence in the DA's robust structures, growing support, and the strength of premier candidate Chris Pappas, asserting that this election presents a unique opportunity for change.
With the hope of securing a core majority in Durban, where the party is already polling between 18% and 22%, Steenhuisen sees this as a growth election for the DA. Achieving a vote share above 20% would position the party favorably in coalition negotiations.
Steenhuisen highlighted the successful acquisition of a dozen wards from the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal by-elections since November 2021, indicating a shift in dynamics within the province.
Despite the intensity of the campaign, Steenhuisen urged DA volunteers to persist in their efforts leading up to election day, emphasizing the importance of mobilization.
Premier candidate Chris Pappas echoed Steenhuisen's optimism, stressing the need for a concerted effort in the final week to ensure voter turnout. He expressed confidence in the DA's electoral prowess and its readiness for the elections.
Pappas also commended the peaceful atmosphere in KwaZulu-Natal during the campaign period, highlighting the maturity displayed by parties and supporters alike.
Steenhuisen concluded his campaign in KwaZulu-Natal with a series of public engagements and door-to-door visits in key wards within the eThekwini municipality's north and west areas. Accompanied by DA provincial leader Francois Rodgers and premier candidate Chris Pappas, Steenhuisen engaged with residents of Ntuzuma, a ward with a significant party presence, before proceeding to conduct door-to-door outreach in the Reservoir Hills suburb.
He observed that KwaZulu-Natal has become an open contest, particularly with the emergence of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which has garnered support previously aligned with the ANC. This, he believes, paves the way for parties within the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa, including the DA and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), to discuss coalition possibilities post-elections.
Steenhuisen anticipates a coalition government in KwaZulu-Natal, emphasizing the DA's potential to play a significant role within it. He expressed confidence in the DA's robust structures, growing support, and the strength of premier candidate Chris Pappas, asserting that this election presents a unique opportunity for change.
With the hope of securing a core majority in Durban, where the party is already polling between 18% and 22%, Steenhuisen sees this as a growth election for the DA. Achieving a vote share above 20% would position the party favorably in coalition negotiations.
Steenhuisen highlighted the successful acquisition of a dozen wards from the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal by-elections since November 2021, indicating a shift in dynamics within the province.
Despite the intensity of the campaign, Steenhuisen urged DA volunteers to persist in their efforts leading up to election day, emphasizing the importance of mobilization.
Premier candidate Chris Pappas echoed Steenhuisen's optimism, stressing the need for a concerted effort in the final week to ensure voter turnout. He expressed confidence in the DA's electoral prowess and its readiness for the elections.
Pappas also commended the peaceful atmosphere in KwaZulu-Natal during the campaign period, highlighting the maturity displayed by parties and supporters alike.
