Cape Town – Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen addressed the nation on Sunday ahead of the final 2024 election results, highlighting key outcomes and the party’s strategy.
His speech came after the party’s Federal Executive meeting held earlier that day in Johannesburg, where they discussed the path forward in light of partial results indicating a hung parliament and three hung provincial legislatures.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994, necessitating coalition partners to govern.
The DA retained power in the Western Cape with a 55% majority and gained three parliamentary seats, while the ANC lost 71 seats.
Despite the Multi-Party Charter (MPC) not achieving a majority, Steenhuisen emphasised the DA’s commitment to collaboration and avoiding potential ANC-MK-EFF coalitions.
“A combination of the ANC, MK and EFF has the power to take power. It is not the outcome we wanted, but it is the outcome we must now deal with.
“We won’t bury our heads in the sand, we will face up to the challenge,” Steenhuisen said.
He announced that former DA leaders Helen Zille and Tony Leon, along with senior members, will lead coalition negotiations to form a new government.
The negotiating team also includes Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, parliamentary chief whip Siviwe Gwarube, deputy federal chairperson Ivan Meyer, and Ryan Coetzee.
Steenhuisen expressed concern over the success of Jacob Zuma’s MK party, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, and reiterated the DA’s dedication to upholding the South African Constitution.
He called on patriotic South Africans to defend the constitution during these challenging times.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
