On September 27, 2026, Solly Msimanga, federal chairman of the Democratic Alliance (DA), addressed thousands of supporters in Pretoria, emphasizing the significance of their votes in the upcoming election. He warned voters not to compromise their votes for petty benefits, stating that they cannot be bought with 2 liters of oil, 500 grams of rice, or 1 kg of flour. Msimanga's message was clear: voters should prioritize their future and the future of their country.
During the DA gathering in Saulsville, Msimanga used a creative analogy to drive home his point. He compared the free T-shirts often given out by politicians to a temporary solution for keeping water out of one's home during rain. He urged voters to think beyond short-term gains and instead focus on voting for a government that can provide essential services like water, electricity, and job opportunities.
Msimanga emphasized that the DA's vision is centered around creating a government that can attract investments, which in turn will lead to job creation and economic growth. He stated that with a functional government, people will have jobs, pay taxes, and ultimately contribute to the country's development. The DA's goal, according to Msimanga, is to create permanent jobs and ensure that the country moves in the right direction.
Cilliers Brink, the DA's mayoral candidate for Tshwane, echoed Msimanga's sentiments. He highlighted the importance of a functional city government that can utilize its resources effectively to combat crime and provide services to its citizens. Brink pointed out that a well-functioning city can use technology to deploy officials where they are needed most, ensuring that roads are safe and crime is prevented.
Brink also emphasized the need for a city government that can provide safe living environments for all its residents, not just those in gated communities. He stressed that the DA's vision is to create a city where people can live without fear, where children can play outside, and where families can enjoy parks and walkways on weekends.
According to Brink, the DA needs the support of ordinary citizens to achieve its goals. He emphasized that the outcome of the election will depend on whether ordinary people will exercise their right to vote. Brink stated that the DA requires a mandate of 50% plus 1 to implement the necessary changes and overcome the resistance that will inevitably follow.
Brink warned that if the DA does not receive the necessary mandate, the ANC and its allies will try to sabotage their efforts, as they do not want to see a functional city government. The DA's vision for a better future, according to Brink, can only be achieved if voters support them in the upcoming election.
Key points
- The DA's Solly Msimanga and Cilliers Brink emphasize the importance of voting for a government that can provide basic services and jobs, rather than selling votes for trivial benefits.
