Zille set to lead DA into 2014 polls

DA leader Helen Zille has been nominated unopposed to lead the party into the 2014 national and provincial elections – but a battle is expected in the run-up to its federal congress next month, with 18 people contesting seven other positions.

Controversial MP Masizole Mnqasela is challenging party policy guru Wilmot James for his position of federal chairman. James Selfe, who has been DA federal council chairman for more than a decade, is not facing any challenge after former parliamentary leader Athol Trollip decided not to stand against him.

The DA, which holds its fifth federal congress next month, announced the nominations in Joburg this morning.

The three positions of deputy federal chairperson are the most hotly contested. Two incumbents – MPs Anchen Dreyer and Dianne Kohler Barnard – are standing for re-election, while the third, Ivan Meyer, is stepping down after being elected Western Cape DA leader at the weekend.

Lined up to contest the posts are MPs Sandy Kalyan (the DA’s deputy chief whip in Parliament), Dr Annelie Lotriet, Joe Mcgluwa (from the ID) and Stevens Mokgalapa.

Also contesting are DA national spokesman Mmusi Maimane; DA youth leader Makashule Gana and Western Cape MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela.

There is also a contest for two other positions. The current chair of the federal finance committee, MP Dion George, is standing again – but faces a challenge from National Council of Provinces member Alf Lees.

Another MP, John Steenhuisen, is going head to head with Gauteng legislature member Thomas Walters for the position of deputy federal council chairperson, under Selfe.

Political Bureau