Phalatse laments 'missed opportunity', not leaving DA

Steenhuisen won a second term as DA leader at the party's national congress in Midrand on Sunday with a resounding victory over Phalatse. 

The former Joburg mayor said although she was disappointed to lose the leadership race, she accepted the result. 

“I do feel like we missed an opportunity. However, I accept the outcome and I rally behind the current leader.

"I don’t agree with people who feel that it was too soon to put my hand up as federal leader. I have been in the party for eight years, so that’s a long time. I entered the party at an advanced stage in my career so I didn’t come in fresh from university.

"I had a lot of public sector experience that I brought into the party. I brought it into any role that I played, first as an MMC, then as a mayor, so I don’t agree that I cast my net too far,” added Phalatse.

Phalatse expressed her support for the party's new leadership.

“There is a few individuals that I know personally that I really trust will be able to drive a transformation agenda internally within the DA, that I believe they understand what the electorate is asking for and I really believe that they will be able to drive those issues. I can only hope that they are supported by leadership."

Phalatse said she sent a message of support to Steenhuisen shortly after the election results were announced. 

“I have to support John, he is the leader. I have pledged my support to him, I have written a text message to him to pledge my support and I am eager to hear what his strategy is going into 2024 and whatever strategy it is, I’ll support."

She strongly denied reports that she would be leaving the DA, saying she had no plans to join her husband at ActionSA. 

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