“It’s time for Gauteng to start believing in itself again” – Maimane
The DA has selected Weltevreden Park resident Mmusi Maimane as the candidate in the running for Premier of Gauteng.
As the country gears up for the upcoming 2014 general elections, the Democratic Alliance (DA) announced Weltevreden Park resident Mmusi Maimane as their candidate running for the Premier of Gauteng.
Speaking to the Northsider, Maimane said he decided to run for the premier because he believes that he is part of a new generation of South Africans who believe they have the power to change their future. “The truth is that 20 years into democracy, I feel that there is a strong need for change. As a resident who loves this province I believe that we can restore the dreams and hopes of many, it’s time for Gauteng to start believing in itself again” explained Maimane.
Responding to some of the criticism that he is too young to take the role of a premier, Maimane said, “What age is the right age? Being a premier is about captaining the ship, being surrounded by people who will bring their best experience to the table and after all, skills that young people possess are always needed for the job.”
According to the DA, Maimane was helpful in increasing the DA’s support in Johannesburg during the 2011 local government elections. The party witnessed an increase in support from roughly 20 percent to 35 percent, and Maimane attributes this achievement to how the DA went out to dispel some of the negativity towards the party.
As part of campaigning, Maimane plans to embark on a ‘listening tour’ through the province in the coming days. “I’ll be going out to listen to the people of Gauteng so as to get an understanding of what their needs are. I will meet with thousands of Gauteng residents and ask them about the Gauteng they want to see, a Gauteng they can believe in,” explained Maimane.
Maimane said his plans for Gauteng are simple. “I want to stop e-tolling, build a decent education system, stop corruption in government and make it possible for small businesses to grow”.
Maimane made his entry into politics when he was nominated as the Democratic Alliance Mayoral Candidate in the City of Johannesburg during the 2011 local government elections. After the elections he was elected as the DA’s Caucus Leader in Johannesburg. Maimane was elected as National Spokesperson for the Democratic Alliance later in 2011. In November 2012 he was elected as one of three of the DA’s three Deputy Federal Chairpersons at the DA’s 2012 Federal Congress.
