Helen Zille Bids For Top DA Position To Help Get Party Back On Track

Helen Zille has formally announced that she has submitted nomination forms to contest the position of chair of the DA’s Federal Council, a top position in the party which she hopes would allow her to help the Democratic Alliance reconnect with its voters and get back on track.

In a message on Facebook, she said that after “careful consideration and consultation”, and after being “approached by various senior leaders throughout the week”, she had submitted the forms on Friday morning.

The election will be held later this month to replace James Selfe who resigned after over 20 years of service, following the national election in which the DA did not do as well as they had hoped. Selfe is moving to the DA’s governance unit.

Zille said: “In recent months, the DA has been through a period of turmoil and distress. As a party, it is important for us to reflect, to introspect and to begin the process of reconnecting with voters.

“If elected as Chairperson of the Federal Council, my objective will be to support the leadership in its goal of stabilising the party and getting it back on track.

“I love the DA, and the values it represents – freedom, fairness, opportunity and diversity.
South Africa cannot succeed unless the DA succeeds. I am prepared to work hard and to play my part in saving our democracy.”