DA branch for Zuma's homestead

The DA in KwaZulu-Natal plans to open a branch on the doorstep of ANC President Jacob Zuma's homestead in Nkandla.

Though the details are still sketchy, Helen Zille's party wants to launch the branch this weekend. The party was adamant that it would establish a presence in the area, despite its being dominated by the ANC and the IFP.

But the DA provincial leadership refused yesterday to divulge its plan and the date on which the branch will be opened, claiming that the lives of its members were under threat.

DA provincial leader Sizwe Mchunu said membership numbers now allowed the party to have fully fledged branches at Nkandla.

"We are aware that there is serious tension over the DA entering the area. With that [in mind] we do not want to risk the lives of our members but branches will be opened in the area for the first time," said Mchunu.

He said the DA had succeeded in attracting members from all the "major" political parties in the province.

An ambitious Zille announced a few weeks ago that her party would topple the ANC in the 2014 general election.

But ANC provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala said it was news to him that the DA would be opening branches at Nkandla.

"It's even the first time that the DA has got members at Nkandla, but it must be clear that nobody can stop them from following democratic processes."

The area was controlled by the IFP but the party suffered a huge blow in the May 18 local government elections. IFP members voted for the ANC or gave their votes to the splinter National Freedom Party.