2019 election all about jobs, says Maimane
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane has put job creation at the centre of the party’s election campaign.
Maimane was re-elected unopposed as party leader at the DA’s Federal Congress in Tshwane.
He addressed delegates at the Tshwane Events Centre following the election of the party’s new leadership.
“City-led economic development is going to be the focus. Because this election that is coming now is going to be about jobs for our people, it’s an election that says let us favour small business, and it’s an election that says ultimately let us ensure micro-enterprise is the way to create work for our people,” Maimane told the cheering crowd.
Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Athol Trollip has been re-elected as the party's Federal Chairperson. Trollip, who is facing a motion of no confidence in Nelson Mandela Bay, beat Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga to the position.
James Selfe will stay on as the party’s Federal Executive Chairperson, amid questions around the lack of black and female leaders in the party’s top structure.
Deputy Federal Chairpersons are Ivan Meyer, Mike Waters and Refiloe Nt’sheke.
Maimane vowed to defeat the ANC in the 2019 elections.
“Now, I know like you, you didn’t join politics so that the party can improve its behaviour, you joined politics so that you can remove the ANC out of power. But removing the ANC is only a start, we have to rid our nation of the scourge of corruption that has gripped every sector.”