Johannesburg -
The DA is aiming to win the Gauteng province in 2014's elections, party leader Helen Zille said on Saturday.
“What seemed unimaginable a few years ago is now looking likely. The DA is marching towards victory in Gauteng next year,” Zille said in a speech prepared for delivery at a campaign in Newtown, Johannesburg.
The Democratic Alliance leader said there were two reasons why her party could win elections in Gauteng.
“The first is plain and simple: the ANC has let this province down badly. People here feel let down. Most people aren’t feeling confident about their future anymore.”
She said the provincial government had failed to turn South Africa’s richest province into jobs and a better life for the majority of its residents.
“But the second reason we can win is truly exciting. We can win because more South Africans are realising that while the ANC 1/8African National Congress 3/8 talks about the promise of a better life for all, the DA is delivering a better life for all,” Zille said.
“We can win Gauteng because we have the power to write a new story for the province. We can restore people’s confidence in the future. We can get South Africa’s most important provincial economy growing again.”
Zille said Gauteng was at the centre of progress of the South African economy.
“South Africa stands or falls on Gauteng’s success because of its economic might. If South Africa is to succeed, Gauteng must succeed.”
She said the Gauteng provincial government had failed to respond to the crisis of youth unemployment “in both word and deed”.
Zille said the DA was also looking at ways to support entrepreneurs, who were the new job creators in any economy.
“We support them so that they can do what they do best, grow their businesses, hire more people, and create growth and jobs in the economy.” - Sapa