NATIONAL NEWS - That Mmusi Maimane was nominated unopposed for another term as leader of the DA is a clear indication of the regard the party has for him as their leader, a political analyst has said.
“He is not a strong leader, but he is highly respected within the party,” said Andre Duvenhage, a political scientist from the North West University Potchefstroom campus.
Maimane and federal council chairperson James Selfe were unopposed as nominees in their current portfolios. The nominations were announced by DA federal chief electoral officer Anchen Dreyer in Johannesburg yesterday, ahead of the party’s federal congress in Tshwane on April 7 and 8.
The crucial portfolio of federal chairperson, currently held by Athol Trollip, would be contested by Trollip, Solly Msimanga and Annelie Lotriet.
Winning the position would be important for Trollip, as he is likely to be ousted as Nelson Mandela Bay Metro mayor a day before the start of the congress.
The EFF has submitted a motion of no confidence in him for April 6 in a move that could return the ANC to power in the city. Duvenhage said Maimane’s unopposed nomination was to be expected because the party invested a lot in him and he had the backing of the current leadership.
“He is highly regarded.”
