DA leaders mum on who will contest

[caption id="attachment_73407" align="alignright" width="300"] ATHOL TROLLIP -[/caption]

WITH still more than a month left before nominations for the DA national leadership close, the party’s Eastern Cape leaders are playing their cards close to their chests.

As most leaders planning to contest positions at the DA’s federal congress have not indicated their desire to serve in the opposition party’s highest body, provincial bosses are yet to make up their minds who to back.

The congress will be held at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre on May 10.

The only position expected to be uncontested is that of DA leader Helen Zille, as party leaders believe she is on the right track.

Contesting the position would destabilise the party ahead of unpredictable local government elections next year. Nominations close on April 20. Although no one has publicly indicated a desire to contest the federal chairmanship – incumbent Wilmot James has announced his intention to step down – it is expected to be hotly contested.

-Mkhululi Ndamase