Statement by Geordin Hill-Lewis – Leader of the Democratic Alliance:
Today I am deeply hopeful about South Africa’s future. This is a good day for South Africa.
In this election, the people of South Africa have given us an historic opportunity to turn many towns and cities around. We must take it. We must now rise to the occasion.
Now that the rough and tumble of the election campaign is done, leaders must lift their sights, put aside their differences, and prioritise the people of South Africa.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is ready, and we are eager to get started. I commit the DA to working hard over the coming weeks to help build governments that will get South Africa’s cities and towns working for all. We will approach these discussions with respect for the mandate each party has received from the voters.
I would like to say a very heartfelt “thank you” to every South African who placed their trust in the DA. We understand the responsibility that comes with your support, and we will work every day to honour it.
As the results come in, we are thrilled with the picture we see developing.
These results reflect a growing, stronger DA that is now deeply embedded in every single community in the country, and that truly represents every part of South Africa.
We have won in cities, and we have won in deep rural areas, from Mount Ayliff, to Fort Beaufort, to Emfuleni, uMngeni and beyond.
The headline results are now clear:
- The DA will be the only party to govern a metro with an outright majority. In Cape Town, we have received a resounding endorsement that exceeded our expectations.
- The DA will be the largest party in 4 other metros – Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Nelson Mandela Bay.
- We will grow our national standing, and have taken a step forward on our mission of being the largest party in South Africa.
- We will gain 104 new wards and roughly 233 new councillors across the country.
We can now say with certainty that roughly one million black South Africans voted for the Democratic Alliance on Wednesday, making us a mainstream party in every community, whether you are black, white, coloured or Indian.
We received our highest-ever support in the townships of Cape Town, and achieved similar record support in townships across the country, especially where we govern.
Voters can see the effort the DA makes to govern well for everyone and improve the living conditions and dignity of every person.
We are guided by one central belief: that every person, no matter where they are born, their race, their religion, or whether they are rich or poor, deserves the opportunity to live a good life.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this election is what it means for the elections still to come.
I have said clearly that our ambition is to become the largest party in South Africa, for that is the best guarantor of putting our country on the path to greater prosperity for all.
In these elections, we have taken a big step forward towards that goal.
Our preparations to achieve that goal begin now. We are focused, we are excited, and the momentum is firmly with us.
We will pursue that ambition by connecting with more South Africans, responding to their concerns, and showing through our work in government that the DA improves their lives.
The country’s attention will now turn to the upcoming coalition negotiations.
These towns and cities desperately need long, sustained progress under inclusive, capable, and honest leadership.
We must have governing coalitions that focus on getting water into people’s taps, delivering reliable services, making streets safer, and creating an environment in which businesses can grow and create jobs.
We have already begun reaching out to all parties to begin discussions on forming stable governments.
The DA would like to bring parties together around a shared programme of good government for all. I invite every party willing to put residents first to join us.
We seek partners committed to bringing integrity to local government, stable government, zero tolerance for corruption, merit-based appointments, sound financial management and measurable improvements in basic services for all residents.
These principles must apply equally to the DA and to every partner in a government we lead.
We do not intend to conduct these negotiations through the media. But we will publish all our coalition agreements publicly once they are concluded.
Every agreement we reach must be an agreement to serve residents of the cities and towns we lead.
South Africa can work for everyone. The DA is ready to do our part.
Domino
Fun South African Fact: There are eight unbelievable world heritage sites in South Africa.
Star Killer
Fun South African Fact: Mandela’s house on Vilakazi Street is now a museum. The man who the street was named after, Dr BW Vilakazi, was a poet, novelist and intellectual. He helped develop the written form of both isiZulu and siSwati and helped put together the isiZulu dictionary.