The Democratic Alliance brought its election campaign to Ward 3 in Makhanda, South Africa, with a Street Brekkie Braai Party outside the Recreation Hall on Albany Road. This was the party's first campaign event in the ward, according to Ward 3 candidate Godfrey Brockman. The event aimed to connect with residents, share ideas, and discuss the future of Makana. The gathering, which started at 7am, provided an opportunity for residents to share a meal with party members commuting to work.
The guest of honour at the event was Liam Jacobs, a DA member based in Cape Town, who is visiting different towns across the country during the election campaign. Jacobs said he had visited close to 62 different towns and cities, with the aim of listening to the people, seeing the conditions firsthand, and mobilising support behind the Democratic Alliance. He expressed his concerns about the deteriorated service delivery in Makhanda and the entire municipality.
Jacobs criticised the current state of the town, citing poor road conditions and a general lack of service delivery. He stated that the DA is the party that can get municipalities working again, especially in the Eastern Cape, where they are close to victory. Jacobs also expressed his support for the party's mayoral candidate, Luvuyo Sizani, whom he believes has a vision for the town.
Jacobs promised that the DA would stay accountable after the vote, ensuring that their public representatives are held to account and are fighting for the residents who elected them. He contrasted this with the ANC, stating that a DA councillor would step up when an ANC councillor fails. DA constituency and political leader Jane Cowley reiterated the party's commitment to winning the election.
Cowley rejected suggestions that the DA is an exclusive party, stating that they are a party for all and embrace diversity. She urged residents to think carefully about how they vote, emphasising that how they live is directly linked to their voting decision. Cowley encouraged people to vote with their heads rather than their hearts, especially if they want to see change in their daily lives.
Brockman was realistic about what the party could deliver if elected, acknowledging that they cannot perform miracles given the dilapidated state of the municipality. He stated that they would start with manageable tasks, such as installing street lights, and that road repairs would be a challenge. Some residents, like Babalwa Ngxezele, attended the event to show support for the ward and expressed confidence that the DA would govern after the election.
Ngxezele, a Ward 7 resident, noted that many people, especially older residents, still support the ANC, but she has seen a shift towards the DA as people seek change. The event was part of the DA's efforts to campaign and win the election, with Cowley stating that they are "in it to win it." The party's campaign events aim to engage with residents and present their vision for the future of Makana.
Key points
- The DA holds its first campaign event in Ward 3, Makhanda, aiming to connect with residents and share ideas.
- Liam Jacobs criticises the current state of service delivery in Makhanda and expresses support for the party's mayoral candidate, Luvuyo Sizani.
- The DA promises to stay accountable after the vote and presents itself as a party for all, embracing diversity.
