DA opens Federal Congress with warning for the ANC to 'pack up and go'

Meyer opened the DA’s Federal Congress at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, on Saturday morning.

About 2 000 delegates from across the country's nine provinces have gathered for the two-day long Congress during which they will adopt new resolutions and also elect the party’s new leadership. 

The DA says this is its largest ever Congress and also the party’s most diverse one - adding that 45% of the delegates are made up of non-public representatives from branches.

The Congress takes place under the theme: A strong DA to build a better future.

Tying in with the objective to bring the governing ANC down to below 50% at the polls in the 2024 general elections, Meyer said during his opening speech the DA aims to dethrone the ANC in 2024.

"South Africa will go to the polls next year to end the ANC rule in South Africa.

“This Congress now serves notice to the ANC – pack up and go or face an electoral defeat in 2024.  

“This Congress is thus giving notice that the ANC is the outgoing government in South Africa.

“This Congress further gives notice that the DA will lead a new coalition government in the Union Buildings in 2024.

“This Congress will showcase what the DA is already doing to solve the electricity crisis where the DA is governing.

“This historic Congress is the beginning of a better future for South Africa," said Meyer to cheering delegates.

Meyer added that the Congress will table practical solutions to rebuild South Africa.  

"These solutions are products of data, science, research, evidence and common sense. Evidence-based and data-led governance will enter the Union Buildings in 2024 and rewire public governance in South Africa."

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