GARETH VAN ONSELEN: Who asked Mmusi Maimane to stand as premier?
The DA leader has yet to answer who, and why, he became a candidate at the last minute — but it is likely he nominated himself
Here is the question: Why did DA leader Mmusi Maimane consider standing for the Western Cape premiership? Maimane claims he was asked to stand by someone in the party. When asked by the media if that was true, he refused to answer; or at least, fudged his answer so profoundly it was incomprehensible. Thus, based on the public record, his explanation is very difficult to believe. There is no reason not to disclose that information. In turn, if he was asked, there is no reason the persons who asked cannot admit to that fact. But, to date, not a word, prompting the question: Do they even exist? The result of the mess that has followed has been yet further damage to the DA’s brand as a cohesive, unified force. There is a big story here. Indeed, the whole saga around Maimane’s candidature has not been properly told. On telling it, it is quite clear Maimane, personally, has a case to answer, to the public and the party. Here is what happened. When applications opened for the Western Cape ...
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