Mmusi Maimane and Brandon Topham are the Democratic Alliance's mayoral candidates for Johannesburg and Tshwane respectively, DA leader Helen Zille announced on Tuesday.
“I believe both of these candidates embody the principles and values that define the DA’s vision of an open opportunity society for all,” Zille announced in a statement for delivery at a media briefing.
“I have confidence that in both metros, these candidates will be able to communicate that vision in a way that resonates with all residents.”
Maimane is a businessman and Topham a councillor in the Tshwane metro and the DA chairperson in the Gauteng north region.
Zille said Johannesburg and Pretoria made up South Africa's economic hub, the “economic pulse” of Africa.
“Yet they are in disarray. Both of these metros face profound and fundamental problems, the result of local government failure to deliver basic services, develop and maintain working infrastructure, secure the safety of their residents, and ensure a clean and efficient administration.
“This creates a context for economic decline, unemployment and poverty. It must be turned around.”
Both candidates were “acutely aware” of the problems facing the metros, she said.
Zille described Maimane as a “young, supremely talented individual”. He grew up in Soweto and has lived there most of his life.
“Mmusi is the kind of person one can get to know well in a short space of time because his personal convictions and ability shine through. He has the leadership qualities, the vibrancy, the perseverance and the will to lead our team in the election, and then to lead Johannesburg out of its present morass, towards a better future,” she said.
The party had welcomed him and he quickly “established himself as a strong emerging leader”.
He holds a masters degree in theology, is studying toward a masters in public administration, speaks seven languages and is married and has a son.
Topham is from Pretoria and is married with three sons. He is the DA's caucus leader in the Tshwane metro.
“Brandon has a distinguished career outside politics. He is qualified as an accountant and a lawyer, with specialist knowledge and experience in forensic auditing. He has also had a career in business defined by achievement and success, being involved, among other things, in the setting up of a major player in the local budget airline industry.”
He was elected for the first time in 2006, Zille said, and was a “strong leader”.
Zille on Monday announced the party's mayoral candidate for Cape Town, Independent Democrats leader Patricia De Lille. -
Sapa