Rodgers stays neutral as KZN DA leadership race heats up

Outgoing DA KwaZulu-Natal provincial leader Francois Rodgers has declined to endorse any candidate in the hotly contested race to succeed him, saying neutrality is essential to safeguard the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes. The provincial congress, scheduled to take place in Durban on Saturday, will see delegates elect a new leadership collective amid growing interest in the direction of the party in the province. As an outgoing leader, I have remained neutral in the individual campaigns to allow delegates space to exercise their democratic right.

What I have seen to date is exemplary and disciplined internal elections by leaders with enormous potential. A former DA provincial chairperson, Rodgers is KZN’s Treasury MEC. Rodgers’ refusal to pick a side comes as the provincial leadership contest narrows to a two-horse race between eThekwini councillor Sthembiso Ngema and DA Member of Parliament Mzamo Billy.

Ngema serves as the party’s provincial deputy leader, while Billy leads the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature delegation in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). With nominations now closed, both candidates have intensified their campaigns, each presenting themselves as best placed to consolidate and grow the party’s footprint in the province. Beyond the top position, lobbying has intensified around other provincial roles, reflecting a broader contest for influence within the party’s ranks. DA deputy provincial chairperson and Public Works MEC Martin Meyer is vying for the provincial deputy leader position.