John Steenhuisen was announced the new leader of the Democratic Alliance at the party’s virtual congress which ended on Sunday.
He beat off the challenge of Mbali Ntuli from the KZN.
Addressing party members and the nation, he said he could not find a more fitting place to hold his victory celebrations than at eThekwini Municipality where he began his political career.
“Never in my wildest imagination did I think that I would be the leader of this great party,” Steenhuisen said after the leadership position became vacant following the departure of Mmusi Maimane late last year.
"When I first became a DP activist at the age of nineteen, I did so because I knew it was a party with a proud history of fighting to give power to the people of South Africa. A party that waged a lone battle in Parliament against the evil Apartheid regime."
"A party that was instrumental in the drafting of our nation’s liberal democratic Constitution. A party that grew from a handful of seats in Parliament to become the official opposition."
He also paid tribute to Mbali Ntuli who he said pushed him all the way. "We don't anoint leaders, we elect them," Steenhuisen said.
"I am here because I want to take the DA to greater heights in our fight for a country where each and every citizen has the power to build a dignified life. I'm here today because I want to take the country to greater heights. Our task will not be easy, Our country is in trouble and the stakes couldn't be higher," the new DA leader said.
The results of the DA's leadership congress are:
Federal Leader:
John Steenhuisen, with 80% of votes cast.
Federal Chairperson:
Dr. Ivan Meyer elected uncontested.
Deputy Federal Chairpersons:
1st Deputy: Refiloe Nt'Sekhe,
2nd Deputy: Anton Bredell,
3rd Deputy: Jacques Smalle.
Chairperson of the Federal Council
Helen Zille, with 69% of votes cast.
Deputy Chairpersons of the Federal Council
James Masango and Thomas Walters elected uncontested.
Chairperson of Federal Finance:
Dr. Dion George elected uncontested.
