Between 20‚000 and 25‚000 supporters filled the Rand Stadium in Johannesburg to launch a "manifesto for change" in what the party now maintains is the most important election since 1994.
DA mayoral candidate for Nelson Mandela Bay Athol Trollip said the turnout was the "strongest sign ever that we are ready for change".
Promising to stop corruption and create jobs in the city‚ Mr Trollip added that the Eastern Cape City had 15 mayors and 15 municipal managers in the last 15 years‚ a sign of deep dysfunction.
Despite promises "the revolving door of criminality remains open"‚ with predictable effect on service delivery. "The ANC builds houses without toilets‚ and toilets without houses‚" he said.
Mayoral candidate for Cape Town Patricia de Lille hit out at ANC promises and dishonesty‚ promising the DA would continue to honestly govern the Cape Town.
"In the DA yes means yes and our no means no. We don't pretend to respect the constitution‚ but then violate our promise to do so‚" she said.
DA Tswhane candidate Solly Msimanga hit out at corruption‚ while DA Ekurhuleni candidate Ghaleb Cachalia said he had joined the party because of the need for change‚ after clear evidence of mismanagement in the metro.
DA Joburg candidate Hermann Mashaba is expected to close the proceedings‚ with DA leader Mmusi Maimane expected to address the crowd shortly before 1pm.
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