From the desk of John Steenhuisen, Leader of the Democratic Alliance
Democrats,
This month we launched our six-point plan to turbocharge the South African economy! Anyone who has been living in South Africa over the past fifteen years, would have noticed a marked decline in our standard of living, because of state capture and inept singular ANC rule. To turn this around, we offer the South African voter concrete steps to rebuild our economy. In the coming months, I will be engaging with local communities throughout South Africa to prioritise these 6 steps:
- Removing legislative barriers to investment and economic growth such as BBBEE, employment equity and expropriation without compensation
- A reliable, affordable energy supply through market reform
- Efficient rail and port infrastructure through private sector involvement
- A fiscal anchor and a spending review to stabilise public finances
- Professionalised, service-focused local government and
- The re-establishment of a strong anti-corruption and rural safety unit.
Since our announcement of the turbocharge campaign, I have already visited Matjhabeng municipality in the Free State. See photos here and a video clip here. The DA is in National government where we can deliver for South Africans. We have already made progress. Last month, parliament passed South Africa’s first coalition-era budget, which was historic. It took compromise and is reflective of a new era of responsible government. The DA also took a principled stand against wasteful spending by withdrawing from the National Dialogue. We were vindicated by the subsequent withdrawal of others. Our position is clear: we want action, not talk.
With that in mind, the budget process has finally been completed, which is a landmark win for democracy. That process included halting the VAT increase, showing that coalition democracy can deliver. We made it clear that we would not support budgets tied to corruption-accused ministers, and the removal of Nobuhle Nkabane ahead of the budget vote confirmed this. In July, the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the commission of enquiry into his ministry signalled further progress, but we must show results. If figures like Thembi Simelane remain in office despite serious allegations, the DA will keep fighting for a government built on honesty and accountability.
Applications for our 2026 Young Leaders Programme (YLP) will be open until 28 August! If you are aged 18–35, and passionate about leadership and public service, this is your opportunity. Our alumni include Siviwe Gwarube, Solly Malatsi, Chris Pappas, Cilliers Brink, Baxolile Nodada, and Gwen Ngwenya. Apply via da.org.za/get-involved/young-leaders-programme. Ever with the next generation in mind, in early August the DA held its student (DASO) Federal Congress. We congratulate Gilbert Monnanyana, of Tshwane University of Technology, on being elected Federal Leader of DASO. We also congratulate DASO Federal Chairperson, Andrea Martinez of Stellenbosch University, and the four other portfolio members who ran unopposed. The newly elected leadership will serve a three-year term.
We have also announced our mayoral candidate for Tshwane, Cilliers Brink, who will run for election in 2026. The race in our capital city is incredibly tight. Only five seats separate the DA from the ruling ANC, and it is a two-horse race. However, the vote of smaller parties can sway the result, which has been the case in recent years.
So, as we approach the local government elections, we call on all South Africans to register and vote. This election will be crucial. This is not about the DA, but about putting South Africans first. The DA has a plan and we have a credible track record of good governance everywhere we have been given a chance to lead. Fundamentally, our message is that if you want food on your table, water in your taps, fixed roads, jobs and a better future, then there is hope. But you must register and vote!
Yours in service,
John Steenhuisen
Leader of the Democratic Alliance