By Motshwari Mofokeng
Former police reservist Sthembiso Ngema has been elected as the new leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal. He secured the position during the party’s provincial congress held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban over the weekend.
Ngema takes over from Francois Rodgers, who decided to step down in order to focus on his government responsibilities and family business interests. Originally from Lamontville, south of Durban, Ngema also spent part of his childhood in the rural area of kwaMaphumulo near Stanger. His election signals a shift towards younger leadership within the DA in KwaZulu-Natal.
The new generation of leaders is replacing long-serving figures such as Rodgers, Roger Barrows, Douglas Gibson, Dianne Kohler Barnard and the late Tex Collins.Ngema said his main focus will be strengthening the party’s presence across the province. He plans to visit communities, support councillors and work closely with traditional leaders, churches, businesses and ratepayer groups to help the DA win more municipalities.
The congress also elected Martin Meyer as deputy leader and Dean Macpherson as provincial chairperson. Other leadership positions were filled by Sandile Mnikathi, Sakhile Mngadi and Swelakhe Shelembe.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
