Zille to pass up MP seat to hold onto DA Federal Council Chair
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Helen Zille, arguably the most figure in the Democratic Alliance (DA), has declined an opportunity to return to Parliament, opting instead to focus on her work within the party. Zille currently holds the position of Federal Council chairperson, the most powerful position in the party.
This position has given her the capacity to guide and intervene in the selection of representatives, which has often disagreed with local branches. In particular, her decades-long protection of the iniquitous Memory Booysen in Garden Route, has raised deep suspicions among local supporters, given the corruption which has occurred under his watch.
Insiders report that Zille has been aiming to promote Booysen to Provincial Parliament, despite accusations of spousal abuse, abuse of power, and various property and gratuities scandals which occurred under his watch as Mayor.
Meanwhile, former Western Cape DA leader Bonginkosi Madikizela has thrown his hat in the ring for a seat in the National Assembly.
Madikizela’s bid for a parliamentary seat comes after a tumultuous period where he resigned in April 2021 following a scandal involving misrepresentation of his qualifications. Despite this setback, he has gone through the party’s candidate selection process and is eligible to run for a seat in Parliament.
Other developments within the DA include the entry of anti-crime activist Ian Cameron, expected to become an MP after the upcoming elections. Additionally, the mayor of Tshwane, Cilliers Brink, is also a candidate on the DA’s national list, although he has clarified that participating in the selection process does not mean he intends to resign as mayor.
However, not all current DA MPs are expected to return to the caucus in the National Assembly. Zak Mbhele and Michael Cardo are reportedly exploring opportunities outside of politics. In the Western Cape Legislature, Derrick America and Andricus van der Westhuizen are retiring.
One notable absence from the upcoming parliamentary term will be Beverley Schäfer, the under-fire legislature deputy Speaker. Schäfer faced controversy over her use of a BMW X5 allocated to her, despite being provided with an Audi Q5 by the legislature. The legislature’s conduct committee found that Schäfer had breached the code of conduct and recommended reprimand, a fine, and suspension from her privileges as deputy Speaker. Schäfer appealed the decision, and a committee was established to hear the appeal.
Independent news and opinion articles with a focus on the Western Cape, written for a more conservative audience – the silent majority with good old common sense.
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