DA leader Mmusi Maimane is reportedly planning to nominate himself as Western Cape Premier.
According to a City Press report, some within the party are furious at Maimane’s last-minute decision to stand for the top job in the only pro-
vince where the DA governs.
Other candidates to replace Helen Zille include MP David Maynier, MEC for Economic Opportunities Alan Winde, as well as MEC for Human Settlements and DA provincial leader Bonginkosi Madikizela.
The DA was supposed to announce the successful applicant on Saturday, but postponed it to tomorrow, when it will reportedly also announce the Cape Town mayoral candidates.
It is believed Gauteng MPL Heinrich Volmink is favoured to take over from Mayor Patricia de Lille next month.
According to the DA’s constitution, the party leader is automatically at the top of the list for any position.
Maimane’s spokesperson, Portia Adams, yesterday confirmed the party was discussing the possibility of Maimane becoming the premier candidate, but said it was not a done deal yet.
“DA leader Mmusi Maimane has considered throwing his hat in for the position of premiership. It is not confirmed whether he will do so,” Adams said.
Among those who are opposing the move is Madikizela, who told the City Press what Maimane was planning to do did not make sense.
He said the DA’s plan was to win over Gauteng and the Northern Cape.
“It (therefore) doesn’t make sense to me that you take your federal leader and make him stand as premier for
a province you are already governing.”