The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched its Chatsworth campaign ahead of the 2026 local government elections in South Africa. The campaign was launched at the Shallcross Community Hall, which was packed to capacity despite the inclement weather. DA leaders, including former party leader John Steenhuisen, provincial leaders Dean Macpherson, and MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Martin Meyer, were in attendance. The DA aims to address eThekwini's water losses and infrastructure problems.
According to DA KZN Provincial Chairperson and Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, Chatsworth is the home of the DA. He stated that the party is confident of winning every single ward in Chatsworth, which would make Haniff Hoosen the next mayor of eThekwini. Macpherson criticised other parties for claiming they would win wards in Chatsworth, saying they are "running around like headless chickens."
The DA's mayoral candidate, Haniff Hoosen, has a plan to restore the municipality's water supply, which includes a R10 billion infrastructure investment to rebuild and modernise the aging water network. Hoosen's plan involves establishing specialised repair units and using advanced leak-detection technology to fix pipe bursts before structural failures occur. The DA also aims to initiate formal investigations into the alleged water mafia.
Former DA leader John Steenhuisen criticised the current administration in eThekwini, highlighting that non-revenue water loss in the city has surged from 33% a decade ago to a critical 65%. Steenhuisen stated that Durban has a leadership crisis, and the primary focus of the meeting centred on eThekwini's deteriorating water grid. He emphasised the need for a functioning municipality with access to water, electricity, and sanitation.
The DA aims to turn eThekwini back into a manufacturing hub and export hub by fixing the rail and road networks and basic infrastructure. Steenhuisen stated that the city needs to be made safe, especially for women and children, as the communities have become very dangerous. The DA's plan involves recruiting top-tier technical and engineering talent to manage municipal infrastructure and bringing in private sector expertise.
According to Macpherson, the DA has a historical opportunity to be in power and govern eThekwini. He added that the party needs to bring change to the city and stop the "nonsense" that is being seen. Macpherson emphasised that the free-for-all amongst the administration and political parties in government must stop.
The launch of the DA's Chatsworth campaign marks a significant move ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The party's plans to address eThekwini's water losses and infrastructure problems have been welcomed by supporters and residents. The DA's campaign in Chatsworth aims to win all wards in the area, which would make Haniff Hoosen the next mayor of eThekwini.
Key points
- The DA aims to win all wards in Chatsworth and make Haniff Hoosen the next mayor of eThekwini.
- The DA's plan to restore the municipality's water supply includes a R10 billion infrastructure investment.
- The DA criticised the current administration in eThekwini for its handling of the city's water crisis.
