WESTERN CAPE
Why Mmusi Maimane opted out of race for Western Cape premier
DA leader Mmusi Maimane has decided not to avail himself to take up Helen Zille’s post as premier of the Western Cape, opting instead to focus on preparing the party for the 2019 polls. The DA has set its sights on installing DA premiers in both Gauteng and the Northern Cape, as well as grow its support nationally in elections that are sure to be highly contested. Growing the party’s support during the elections would be crucial for Maimane, who is serving his second term as the DA’s federal leader. The party’s next federal congress takes place in 2021, the same year as the next local government elections. Stagnating or worsening results could provide ammunition for those who might want to challenge him for the top position in the DA. DA spokesperson Solly Malatsi said that Maimane informed a meeting of its federal executive committee on Tuesday that he had decided to decline the request for him to stand as the DA’s candidate for premier of the Western Cape. Malatsi said the request...
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