WATCH | DA unveils Christo Botha as uMhlathuze mayoral candidate

Only uMhlathuze Mayoral candidate was announced at the DAs KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Council meeting on Saturday. The meeting, which brought together party members and leaders from across all levels of government was held at the Greyville Race course. Initially, the DA had said two mayoral candidates would be announced – Msunduzi and uMhlathuze candidates.

However, shortly before proceedings began, the DA’s provincial communications manager, Zowakha Mbatha, toldThe Witnessthat only the uMhlathuze mayoral candidate would be revealed during the meeting. Mbatha said the announcement of the party’s mayoral candidate for Msunduzi would be made at a later date, which has not yet been confirmed. Christo Botha, uMhlathuze current deputy mayor was announced as the chosen candidate to represent the party.

He was emotional when he took to the podium to address the gathering. For more than 14 years I have had the privilege of serving the people of uMhlathuze as a councillor. I have seen firsthand the strength, resilience and determination of the people of Richards Bay, Empangeni and our surrounding communities.

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“Our city is filled with with hardworking people who simply want what every South African deserves, safe neighbourhoods, reliable services, economic opportunity and a municipality that works,” said Botha. Despite the change to the expected programme, the atmosphere inside the venue remained upbeat, with members expressing enthusiasm as the party prepared to move forward with the day’s agenda. The meeting forms part of the DA’s ongoing preparations and strategic discussions ahead of upcoming political engagements in the province.

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