DA announces uMhlathuze mayoral candidate

The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Saturday announced only its mayoral candidate for uMhlathuze Municipality during the party’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Council meeting at the Greyville Racecourse. The meeting brought together party members and leaders from across all levels of government.Initially, the DA had indicated that two mayoral candidates would be unveiled — for Msunduzi and uMhlathuze municipalities. However, shortly before proceedings began, the party’s provincial communications manager, Zowakha Mbatha, told The Witness that only the uMhlathuze candidate would be announced.

Mbatha said the party’s mayoral candidate for Msunduzi would be revealed at a later stage, although no date has yet been confirmed. Christo Botha, the current deputy mayor of uMhlathuze Municipality, was named as the party’s mayoral candidate. Botha became emotional as he addressed delegates after the announcement.

“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. Our city is filled with hardworking people who simply want what every South African deserves, safe neighbourhoods, reliable services, economic opportunity and a municipality that works,” said Botha.

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Rodgers said the DA had identified municipalities where it believes it has a realistic chance of taking power. He described eThekwini as “the jewel of municipalities,” adding that it must be governed by the DA to prevent further deterioration. “The ANC is struggling to maintain its identity, and now we are seeing the emergence of the MKP,” Rodgers said.

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