Durban - The DA candidates’ list for the local government elections in eThekwini could see the official opposition attracting more voters, political analysts said.
Of the 103 candidates, 44 were black, 35 Indian, 21 white and three coloured.
The list, which the party emphasised was “democratic”, is dominated by black men who are candidates in 32 wards, Indian men will challenge 25 wards, while white men will represent the party in only 12 wards.
Of the 53 women on the list, 12 are black, 10 Indian, nine white and two coloured. There are 74 new candidates, while 29 have experience in local government.
Analysts agree that the DA’s list was a well thought out plan to charm black voters.
Thabani Khumalo said: “The list indicates a great strategy, to appeal as the party that represents different racial groups, the strategy will work. The list realigns the DA from being an alliance of white liberals, conservatives and big businesses, to one that embraces the black middle class and poor masses.”
Khumalo added: “The elections are about people at grassroots level, to convince them, the DA used their list as the strategy to be a true reflection of eThekwini communities, so that they can appeal to the masses.”
The DA has been growing from election to election and Khumalo predicted a positive outcome for the party, “but frankly speaking they are not going to win the election”, he said.
Bheki Mngomezulu of the Mzala Nxumalo Centre, which is mandated to research matters of national importance, thinks the list reflects desperation, although he conceded it would help the DA make inroads in the “black vote”.
“They are using the same strategy they use nationally, to elect a young black leader and more black candidates who will appeal to blacks to get the highly contested black vote,” said Mngomezulu.
Khumalo said the squabbling within the ANC was an opportunity for the DA support base to grow as some disgruntled party members defected to parties like the DA because its list represented diversity.
“Some ANC voters are confused and frustrated, they won’t vote, which will benefit the DA. The party might benefit from the number of youth voting for the first time, because of a destabilised ANC,” said Khumalo.
DA KZN provincial leader Zwakele Mncwango said: “The DA is a growing organisation and a party for all.”
Sunday Tribune