Cape Town - DA heavyweight in the Western Cape Theuns Botha on Saturday gave Mmusi Maimane the thumbs up to succeed Helen Zille as party leader.
Maimane’s public announcement of his candidacy at the DA provincial congress in Goodwood, Cape Town, on Saturday was met with loud applause by the close to one thousand delegates present.
“I haven’t got words to describe my excitement about Mmusi becoming the new leader of the party,” Botha told the African News Agency.
“He’s a solid guy. Our new Barack Obama.”
Maimane’s talents as an orator and the fact that he was a “principled person” would stand him in good stead, said Botha.
“In politics you must have emotional intelligence in leadership. That and vision. Mmusi has both,” said Botha.
“Mmusi taking over as DA leader - it’s a done deal in the Western Cape.”
DA MP Masizole Mnqasela, who will be contesting the position of DA federal chairman, was a lot more circumspect.
While acknowledging Maimane was a “big hit” with Western Cape delegates, Mnqasela said there was concern about his inexperience.
“He’s not ready, but he needs our support, including my support. I think he’s starting to grow because of the PR around him,” said Mnqasela.
“Given time, he will grow in popularity. What’s important is we need someone to be able to grow our brand, but not at the expense of our values.”
Strong support from the Western Cape and Gauteng will be important for Maimane as delegates from these provinces make up over two thirds of the voting power when the DA holds its Federal Congress in Port Elizabeth on May 9 and 10.
ANA