Note to Editors: The following remarks were delivered by the DA Leader during a public meeting in Merweville, Beaufort West, ahead of a crucial by-election in Ward 7. This forms part of the National #Change19 Tour. The Leader was joined by the Acting Western Cape Provincial Leader, Bonginkosi Madikizela.
Fellow Democrats,
It is great to be here today in the beautiful Beaufort West, the town known as the “Capital of the Karoo”.
I was last here just 7 months ago, after the historic August 3 Local Government Elections, where the people of Beaufort West removed the ANC from power the first time since the dawn of democracy.
For 23 years, the ANC governed this town as if the people of Beaufort West would vote for them “until Jesus returns”. An uncaring ANC government, with a corrupt Mayor in Truman Prince, placed power, positions, and paychecks ahead of the people.
On Election Day, the people of Beaufort West used their power and voted for change by removing the ANC – bringing their total vote share down to a mere 35%. This meant that the DA was able to form a government with its coalition partner here in Beaufort West, the Karoo Democratic Forum (KDF), and the municipality become a DA-led coalition government, and headed towards a better future.
This fundamental shift in the political landscape was not unique to Beaufort West, as we saw the same pattern emerging across the country. From Mogale City to Metsimaholo, from Thabazimbi to Tshwane, from Mookgophong to Mandela Bay – political parties from all corners of the country, with differing policies and interests – came together and voted out the ANC in those municipalities, in order to put the people and country first.
Placing their differences aside, political parties came together around one shared goal: to remove the ANC from government so that we can together stop the rot, resuscitate our country, and place South Africa back on the path towards the dream of ’94
Following the 2016 Local Government Elections, a total of 37 municipalities across 6 provinces are now DA-led, and out of the hands of the ANC. Of those, 4 are Metros, 4 are District municipalities and 29 are Local Municipalities. The composition in each of these municipalities differ, and those political parties and civil society organisations who we have partnered with are as diverse as you’ll find anywhere. But, together, we have agreed to work together in building a better South Africa for all who live in it.
As Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), I have never shied away from the question of coalition governments. Our stance has always been that we will work with anyone who shares our broad values, and is willing to work towards removing the ANC from every municipality, province, and ultimately the Union Buildings come 2019.
As the DA, we believe that the ANC is past the point of no return. There is not saving it. Like many liberation movements, they are marred with corruption, are engaged in the capture of state institutions, and possess a general disdain for vibrant multiparty democracy. The ANC does not represent the interests of the people of South Africa, and as such cannot be trusted anywhere in government.
That is why the upcoming by-election here in Ward 7 is so important for the people of Beaufort West. This critical by-election will determine who controls Beaufort West, as at present the DA-KDF coalition has 6 seats and the ANC has 6 seats – with the deciding seat up for grabs. We cannot afford to allow the ANC to win back control of Beaufort West. Our people have had enough of ANC-sponsored poverty, unemployment, corruption, crime, drugs and poor service delivery.
We have therefore selected a candidate for Ward 7 who we believe has all the experience, credentials and vigour to serve the people of this town. Japie Van Der Linde – or Oom Japie as he is affectionately known – is no stranger to this town. A son of the Karoo, he was born in Beaufort West, and has served as an Educator in the region since 1976 – currently the principal of Murraysburg High School.
Oom Japie also boasts a long and distinguished career in politics having served as a councillor twice, once from 1994 to 1999 and again for the DA from 2005 – 2009. In 2007 he was elected as Mayor of the Central Karoo District Municipality, and he later served as a Member of Parliament for the DA from 2009 to 2014. I have the utmost confidence that if elected, our candidate will continue to serve the people of Beaufort West with the passion and commitment he has demonstrated throughout his professional life.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our coalition partner here in Beaufort West, the KDF, for their commitment to the people of this town and for putting their interests ahead of strict party political interests. Many of you may not know, but the KDF has decided not to field a candidate in this by-election. Instead, and in the interests of keeping the ANC out, the KDF will be supporting and campaigning for the DA’s candidate. This is a selfless decision, and we look forward to continue the work we have started in coalition with the KDF in Beaufort West.
Let us continue to lead the way in a new brand of politics and governance which sees political parties coming together and putting the interests of the people first, by voting out the ANC and forming coalition governments across the country. I have no doubt that the recent emergence of coalition politics will only become more prevalent in the coming years – particular come the 2019 National Elections.
The stakes have never been higher for Beaufort West. The future of this town will be determined by the outcome of this election. An ANC win means a step back to corruption, cronyism and cadre enrichment. A DA win means we continue the project we started in 2016, to see Beaufort West become the economic hub of the Great Karoo, a town full of opportunity and prosperity.
On 24 May, we must get out in our numbers and vote to continue the good work we started in this town, and vote DA!
Baie dankie. Ndiyabulela. I thank you!