The Democratic Alliance (DA) has set its sights on governing in KwaZulu-Natal after the upcoming general election.
At its provincial manifesto launch in Pietermaritzburg, the party said performance in the past election was evident of the DA’s growth.
A show of force by KwaZulu-Natal’s main opposition party in the capital city with ten seats in the province’s legislature, the DA became the second largest party in the province after the 2014 general elections.
The party, which previously had a strong support base predominantly in urban areas, is now on a mission to grow its footprint province-wide.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane says:”We were ruled out in 2016 but look at where we govern now, the new metros, we are leading Gauteng and the Western Cape and we will also lead in KwaZulu-Natal.”
Under the slogan TeamOne South Africa, the party’s leaders believe the province is strategically placed to become South Africa’s manufacturing hub.
DA Provincial leader Zwakele Mncwango says:”Talks about the province has the potential as being the economic hub, manufacturing and beneficiation our large work force and vast land for development.”
But crime has been identified as a barrier for economic growth.
The party feels the focus should be on reducing cross-border crime which has plagued the province in recent years.
The DA wants to address the rising crime rate as a priority.
The party says it also acknowledges the role of traditional leaders and King Goodwill Zwelethini.
However they believe the monarchy should be more self-sufficient rather than depend on state funds.
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