DA leadership candidates to battle it out in public debate

Democratic Alliance (DA) Parliamentary leader Mmusi Maimane and outgoing Federal Chairperson Wilmot James will go head-to-head in a public debate on a pay television channel in Johannesburg.

James challenged Maimane to a public debate last week. The two will contest the position of DA federal leader at the party’s federal elective congress to be held in Port Elizabeth this weekend.

It was at the DA’s provincial congress in KwaZulu Natal last weekend when James challenged Maimane to debate with him on a public platform.

“What we need is an open debate on a public platform rather than closed debates in candidates meeting. So here today I wish to challenge Mmusi Maimane to a public debate about the future of our party and the future of our country,” says James.

Maimane accepted the invitation and the two are expected to share a public stage live on a DSTV channel on Monday evening.

Meanwhile, Maimane says the DA needs a leader who is committed to unity and diversity in the party.

He says the new DA leader also needs a clear vision for the country and the party.

“The leader of the DA must be able to appreciate and understand diversity, understand the vision for South Africa, be able to take it before the people, be able to have the strength of character when others are wanting to use race as the only way of mobilising, and ultimately that leader must be able to keep the organisation intact.”

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