Steenhuisen confirms no coalition deal with EFF, ActionSA
In a seismic day in South African politics the DA’s Tania Campbell and
Mpho Phalatse were voted in as the new mayors of Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg,
respectively.
DA leader John Steenhusien admitted on Tuesday the two political victories came as a surprise to the party, as no deal was struck with either the EFF or ActionSA.
“We did not solicit the support of the EFF, or Action SA for that matter, for our candidates in these metros. There was no deal made with them, and there is no quid pro quo for supporting our candidates. All we offer these parties is the opportunity to be on the right side of history.”
Steenhuisen said the DA’s priority is to ensure stability in the two economic hubs.
“I want to reassure residents that there will be absolutely no compromise on our principles in order to stay in government. We are here to honour our pre-election commitment of governing well. We are certainly not here to cling to power at all cost and would sooner return to the opposition benches than give way to demands that are unrealistic, corrupt or require us to govern badly.
“But we are under no illusions about the stability of these governments as they now stand. I think it is clear to all that the EFF voted against the ANC more than they voted for the DA. They extracted no concessions from us, and they will get none,” says Steenhusien
The City of Tshwane is expected to have a new major in place on Tuesday, and eThekwini on Wednesday, with Steenhuisen saying there is a rare opportunity for an ANC-free era for these metros.
“This will require cooperation and a commitment to selfless service from all parties involved. This is not a game of political chess or checkers, as some have called it. This is about doing what’s right by the people who live in these metros.”
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