Leadership duel in DA

17 November 2014 - 02:01 By Jan-Jan Joubert
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John Moodey, DA Gauteng head
John Moodey, DA Gauteng head
Image: SIMPHIWE NKWALI

The DA's Gauteng leader, John Moodey, is facing a determined challenge to his leadership from provincial legislator Refiloe Ntsekhe.

The party's provincial congress takes place in Boksburg, on the East Rand, on Saturday.

Although Ntsekhe enjoys prominent support, especially on the East Rand and in Johannesburg's northern suburbs, Moodey has shown that he understands the intricacies of DA politics. He will not be easily dislodged.

Ntsekhe is a former Gauteng spokesman for the DA.

She was elected to the provincial legislature this year after serving as a ward councillor in Ekurhuleni.

Moodey has been a member of the provincial legislature since 2004. He says his background as an anti-apartheid activist has helped cement the party's electoral success in Gauteng.

More than 1100 delegates from 414 DA branches will take part in the leadership election, and decide policy and strategy in the run-up to the 2016 local government elections, in which the DA aims to unseat the ANC in the Johannesburg and Tshwane metros.

In this year's general election strong growth by the DA (32.4% support in Johannesburg and 33.8% support in Tshwane), and by the EFF (10.1% in Johannesburg and 11.5% in Tshwane) cut ANC support to 52.3% in Johannesburg and to 49.3% in Tshwane.

Party sources say the DA plans to localise its 2016 election campaign to ward level, with partners such as local NGOs and community organisations helping it campaign on the issues that most directly affect the community.

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