Cape Town – Former Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse says she is not leaving the Democratic Alliance following her defeat to John Steenhuisen for the party leader position.
Phalatse pledged to work with re-elected leader Steenhuisen.
“Of course I’m disappointed. I think we had a really good opportunity here. I think the DA missed it but I have to accept the outcome. It is a democratic process. And yah, I have to rally behind the leader.
“I wish to state categorically I’m not leaving the Democratic Alliance because I know that’s what many people are asking. I don’t have time to play games with my life. I really value my time.
“… This was a democratic election and we needed to contest and I’m glad I did. I have no regrets. I believe we had a good campaign with myself and John. I believe we’ve raised crucial issues and we started a discourse that was important in the party and I beleieve that a lot of good will come from that,” said Phalatse.
Mpho Phalatse says she will not leave the DA following her defeat to John Steenhuisen for the party leader position. She says she is disappointed with the outcome but will back the leader. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/kMCZ7ZqxjF
— eNCA (@eNCA) April 2, 2023
According to Daily Maverick, Steenhuisen won the DA leadership position in what insiders called the biggest win ever recorded by a federal leader candidate.
Presiding officers declined to share the number of votes received by both candidates, but DA insiders told Daily Maverick that Steenhuisen registered a convincing victory of 84%, a 4% increase from the previous congress, the report said.
The DA is refusing to state in an interview with @samkelemaseko what the votes were between John Steenhusien & Dr Mpho Phalatse.
All they are saying is that Steenhuisen got a ‘strong mandate’#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/3OUf38FMfP
— Chriselda Zozi Lewis (Babes Wendaba) (@Chriseldalewis) April 2, 2023
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Phalatse said she had concerns about the voting system.
“I had concerns about the voting system. I have written to the presiding officer – that’s an internal process that we’re dealing with,” she said.
[WATCH] “I had concerns about the voting system. I have written to the presiding officer – that’s an internal process that we’re dealing with.” – Dr. Mpho Phalatse speaking after losing to John Steenhuisen
for DA federal leader position. #DAcongress2023 #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/Wwboti3jfe— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) April 2, 2023
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Picture: Twitter/@mphophalatse1
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
